Faces: Box Cover Front

Faces Review

Faces delivers laughs and debates with its unique mix of luck and strategy. Some unbalanced moments, but it's perfect for fun game nights. Highly replayable and engaging!
  • Gameplay mechanics and balance
  • Player interaction and engagement
  • Artwork and component quality
  • Replay value and variety
4.3/5Overall Score

Discover the quirky and hilarious game Faces. Perfect for game nights, mixing luck and strategy with high replay value.

Specs
  • Number of players: 3-8 players
  • Playing Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 12+ years
  • Game type: Party game
  • Publisher: Buffalo Games
  • Components: Over 200 face cards, voting tokens, and scoring track
  • Languages: English
Pros
  • Hilarious debates
  • High replay value
  • Engaging gameplay
  • Durable components
Cons
  • Potentially unbalanced mechanics
  • Relies heavily on luck
  • Subjective judging
Disclaimer: Clicking our links may result in us earning enough for a new pair of dice, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur board game hustlers.

If you’ve ever wished you could turn hilarious facial expressions into a board game, Faces is your dream come true! This is my review of a game that promises laughter, debates, and unforgettable moments. Join me as we explore what makes Faces a must-play with friends and family, or if it’s a pass. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly a laugh riot, if just a tad unbalanced.

How It Plays

Setting up

First, you spread out the face cards so everyone can see them. Then, you deal each player a hand of expression cards. Stick those sticky notes on your foreheads, folks! Everyone gets one.

Gameplay

One player draws an expression card and reads it out loud. The rest of the players then choose a face card from the ones laid out that they think best matches the expression. The judge picks which face card they find funniest or most accurate. Laughter ensues, and points are awarded!

Winning the game

Keep going until all the expression cards are used. The player with the most points at the end wins. Simple, fun, and full of laughs!

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Faces.

Balancing Luck and Strategy in Faces

Imagine this: You and your friends sit around the table, ready to show off your best poker faces. That’s the charm of ‘Faces’. The game centers around matching famous expressions to the funniest descriptions. Sounds simple, right? Well, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The gameplay of ‘Faces’ introduces a blend of luck and strategy. Each turn, players select a face card from their hand. It’s a guessing game on who can match the description card best. The judge for the round awards points based on their perception, which can be subjective. This is where the fun, and sometimes frustration, comes in.

I remember one time when my friend Carl matched a somber face with ‘best taco you’ve ever had’. It was hilarious! But it also made me question the balance. The judge’s personal biases can skew the game. So, if you’re not on the same wavelength, you might feel things are a bit unfair.

Now, let’s talk luck. The face and description cards you draw can make or break your chances. Sometimes you get a perfect match, and other times, it’s like putting a square peg in a round hole. For those who dislike relying on luck, this might not be your cup of tea.

Overall, ‘Faces’ keeps players engaged and laughing, but the mix of luck and subjective judging can be a double-edged sword. If you’re playing with a group that enjoys light-hearted fun and doesn’t mind a bit of chaos, ‘Faces’ hits the mark.

Next up, let’s explore how ‘Faces’ fosters player interaction and engagement.

Player Interaction and Engagement in Faces

If you’re looking for a game that brings everyone to the table, Faces is your jam. Picture this: you’re sitting with your friends, trying to match the most ridiculous or heartfelt face to a given scenario. It’s pure comedy gold. The best part? You get to judge each round, which keeps everyone on their toes and constantly engaged. No one sits idle, everyone’s part of the madness.

Now, this is where things get spicy. The interaction in Faces isn’t just about the game; it’s about the players. Your choice of faces to match scenarios can lead to hilarious debates. Is that sad face really the best match for ‘When you drop your ice cream’? Or does the face that looks like a disappointed potato win? Trust me, you’ll see sides of your friends you never knew existed.

Another kicker is that the game thrives on social dynamics. If you know your friends well, you can play to their humor or emotional streaks. This adds a layer of strategy without feeling too heavy. Faces bridges the gap between a party game and a strategic showdown, keeping everyone invested. And let’s not forget the crazy stories you’ll end up sharing.

Next up, let’s dive into the artwork and components—trust me, they’re worth talking about.

Artwork and Component Quality of Faces

Let’s talk about the good stuff—the artwork and components. The artwork in Faces is a delight. Each card features quirky and expressive drawings that will have you giggling before you even start the game. Picture this: you draw a card and it shows a face that looks like your Uncle Bob after he’s had too much turkey at Thanksgiving. Hilarious, right?

The cards themselves are sturdy and have a nice finish. They stand up to the wear and tear of multiple games, an essential feature for any good board game. The game also includes a small stack of voting tokens which, while simple, are brightly colored and easy to handle. It’s a practical touch that shows the designers were paying attention.

Now, let’s chat about the box. The storage solution is solid. The box is compact, yet everything fits nicely inside. No more wrestling with the components like you’re in a WWE match! Everything has its place, and I appreciate that organization. It’s nice to see a game where the creators took the time to think about how players would use and store their game.

Of course, no game is perfect. The artwork, while fun, may not appeal to those who prefer a more serious tone. But let’s be real—if you’re playing Faces, you’re here for a good time, not a serious art critique.

Up next, let’s explore the replay value and variety of Faces. This is where the game either shines or falls flat, so stay tuned!

Replay Value and Variety in Faces

What’s better than a game that keeps delivering laughs? Faces does just that. You might think looking at random faces would get old fast, right? Wrong! The replay value in this game is high. Each session brings new scenarios and hysterical interpretations.

Now, let’s get specific about the variety. Faces comes with a stack of different facial expressions. You’ll find everything from grumpy grannies to overly excited toddlers. And don’t get me started on that one face that’s just pure confusion—always a crowd favorite.

What keeps it fresh is how the game prompts change. One game, you’re matching faces to “Who just won the lottery?”. The next, it’s “Who got a speeding ticket?”. The possibilities are endless. Plus, the debates over which face fits best are always unique to the group you’re playing with.

One minor gripe, though: after many rounds, you might start recognizing the faces. This doesn’t ruin the fun but could make the game predictable. Thankfully, the endless combination of prompts helps keep things interesting.

So, do I recommend Faces? Absolutely! It’s like having the same hilarious dream over and over, but it’s a little different each time. You’ll want to play it again and again.

Conclusion

Faces offers a blend of laughs, strategy, and just a tiny bit of chaos. While the subjective judging can make it a bit unbalanced, it excels in keeping everyone engaged and entertained. The artwork is fun, and the durable components mean it will last through many game nights. With high replay value and a lot of variety, Faces is a solid choice for gatherings. If you can embrace the randomness and enjoy a good laugh, Faces is a game worth adding to your collection.

4.3/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.