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Original Alias is a classic word-guessing party game for 4 to 12 players, played in teams of 2, where players must describe word prompts to their teammates as quickly as possible (without saying the prompts themselves) for them to guess it correctly, and they must do this as many times as possible and as quickly as possible before the timer runs out. Tactic (the publisher) establishes the official launch year of Original Alias in 1991 although the first edition was actually already available in 1990 with a possible limited release of the game having being issued as early as 1989.
What’s in the box?
Original Alias is what I usually refer to as a “mass-produced” game rather than a “hobby” game. For me it is important to distinguish these two types of games, as they are ultimately targeted at different audiences and, in my opinion, it isn’t fair on either to be compared with the other. I’m more of a “hobby” gamer, so I have to leave a disclaimer here that this isn’t usually the type of game I grab off the shelf to play with friends. But, in the right context, it can certainly be a good pick.
I didn’t have any expectations when opening the red box. Inside the commonly mid-sized square cardboard box of Original Alias we can find the red rulebook, the red sand timer, a big red board, 6 different coloured meeples and 4 huge sets of red cards. The cards are the heart of the game, each with 8 different word prompts on it (around 3200 words in total so PLENTY of replayability value there). These are all stored in a common, sturdy black plastic insert which is a welcome sight after so. much. red. Jokes aside, yeah it is a bit of an eye sore, don’t stare at it for too long.
Gameplay
The aim of the game is really simple to grasp and the game can easily be taught to any group in 5 minutes. You start by forming teams of 2 players (so while the player count reads 4-12 technically it is more like 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 players). All teams must work together to correctly guess as many words shown on the cards as possible.
Team members take turns acting as the prompter or the guesser and the word to be guessed is decided by which numbered space on the board their respective meeple currently is. The prompter, as you can easily guess, must give their teammate clues without ever using the actual word on the card or even a part of it as a clue and they must continue giving clues as much as they can and as quickly as they can to the guesser until they shout an answer, then grab a new card and repeat this process until the timer runs out. The job of the guesser is to listen to all the clues and shout the correct answer BUT they only get one try per word prompt so resisting the urge to answer as quickly as they can is usually beneficial to the team.
Slow and steady usually wins the race but trust me, in the chaotic environment this game usually creates, this is much easier said than done. Having a timer running while you need to get as many answers right as possible without ever saying the wrong thing and all the other team players basically laugh in your face looking at your disappointed team member and at you having a meltdown due to overthinking can be very nerve wracking. And that’s what makes it fun! Ultimately, the game is about being able to laugh at yourself while you fail miserably, and that’s okay! Unless of course, you’re really good at it and your team ends up crushing everybody else, which can be an interesting alternative experience for some!
Gameplay
The aim of the game is really simple to grasp and the game can easily be taught to any group in 5 minutes. You start by forming teams of 2 players (so while the player count reads 4-12 technically it is more like 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 players). All teams must work together to correctly guess as many words shown on the cards as possible.
Team members take turns acting as the prompter or the guesser and the word to be guessed is decided by which numbered space on the board their respective meeple currently is. The prompter, as you can easily guess, must give their teammate clues without ever using the actual word on the card or even a part of it as a clue and they must continue giving clues as much as they can and as quickly as they can to the guesser until they shout an answer, then grab a new card and repeat this process until the timer runs out. The job of the guesser is to listen to all the clues and shout the correct answer BUT they only get one try per word prompt so resisting the urge to answer as quickly as they can is usually beneficial to the team.
Slow and steady usually wins the race but trust me, in the chaotic environment this game usually creates, this is much easier said than done. Having a timer running while you need to get as many answers right as possible without ever saying the wrong thing and all the other team players basically laugh in your face looking at your disappointed team member and at you having a meltdown due to overthinking can be very nerve wracking. And that’s what makes it fun! Ultimately, the game is about being able to laugh at yourself while you fail miserably, and that’s okay! Unless of course, you’re really good at it and your team ends up crushing everybody else, which can be an interesting alternative experience for some!
Final Thoughts
Overall, Original Alias is a good, classic board game. It certainly is no modern board gaming masterpiece but that doesn’t take away any of its charm for those who look for this kind of fast-paced, competitive and entertaining experience. The artwork is certainly nothing to impress anyone. Red must’ve been the hit colour of the early 90s, as they definitely went a bit too hard for it in my opinion (I still can’t stare at the box for too long).
But if you put all this aside, the game never actually tries to be something it isn’t and in my book that’s a plus. It certainly will work better in a more family friendly environment where player interaction and light-hearted fun thrives among casual gamers. It’s also highly educational, especially with the youngsters, as it encourages creativity using synonyms, opposites or prompt related clues and with the immense offer of prompts it provides I can see it being a success on those team building party nights or family gatherings for many occasions before it feels repetitive. Did I mention it is all red?
