When I first heard about Pictures published by Rio Grande Games and PD-Verlag, I wasn’t sure what to expect. A game where you recreate images using random objects? That sounded more like a quirky art project than a proper board game. But after playing it, I’m a convert. This game is pure fun, and it’s one of those rare gems that appeals to gamers and non-gamers alike.
Pictures is designed by Christian and Daniela Stöhr. The game plays 3 to 5 players (6 with expansions, and it's a fast-paced, creativity-packed game where players try to recreate images using a set of unconventional tools. Think shoelaces, blocks, and even sticks. It's the kind of game that’ll make you laugh, think outside the box, and get a tad competitive.
How It Plays
Each round is a race to recreate an image from a 16-image photo grid. The grid is organized with letters A-D and numbers 1-4, and each turn, you'll draw a token that provides a letter and a number.
The twist? You’ll use one of five quirky sets of tools to recreate the image. These tools might be a bit unexpected:
Shoelaces: one long and one short
Wooden blocks: this reminds me of Montessori style games totaling six different shapes
Colorful cubes: three of a variety of eight colors that you put into a frame that fits a 3x3 grid
Sticks and stones: 4 sticks and 4 stones
19 Icon cards: as random as you can think outline cards. My favorite is a pile of dog poop. You can arrange up to 5 of these out to recreate your piece
The catch? You’re trying to make the image recognizable enough for others to guess it! Everyone gets a shot at guessing, and you score points for each correct guess
After each round, change the selected set of tools. Draw a new coordinate, and enjoy!
Winning
The game ends after five rounds. After each round, each player scores one point for every correct guess and one point for each correct guess on your masterpiece. The player with the most points wins. In case of a tie, you share the victory. My friend group does not like that, so we play an extra round
Components
Short rulebook that gets you started in a few
91 double sided photo cards
48 coordinates tokens, so you'll have a possibility of getting three of each kind (A-D; 1-4)
Tools: shoe laces, icon cards, sticks with stones, different building blocks, and colored cubes
4 oval number tokens ranging from 1-4
4 oval letter tokens ranging from A-D
1 note pad
1 clothbag to place the coordinate tokens
Pros
✅ Quick to learn and play: No complicated rules here, just dive right in and get creative
⏩ Fast-paced and fun: The rounds fly by as everyone tries to outwit each other
🌍 Language independent: It’s a game you can take anywhere and enjoy with anyone, no matter the language
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families and casual gamers: Whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or new to the hobby, everyone can join in
✨ Tons of creative fun: You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy this one! It's all about imagination and making the best out of quirky tools
Considerations
Requires at least 3 players to shine: It’s a great group game, but it doesn’t quite hit the same mark with fewer players.
Abstract mechanics might not click with everyone: The "use random objects to recreate an image" mechanic might be a bit too abstract for some players who prefer more traditional gameplay.
Expansions
If you’re looking to mix things up and the ability to play with six players, Pictures has three expansions:
Pictures: Orange 110 more photos and two more unconventional tool sets. The first one is a felt square and circle and 5 clothespins. The other one? A frame and 16 acrylic tiles with designs
Pictures: USA also adds 110 more photos. All US themed. Hoover Dam? Check! Bryce Canyon? Check! Brooklyn Bridge? Check! This expansions comes with transparent shapes and a frame and a yes and no bar where you add up to seven dice
Pictures: X-mas is the one we've been playing nonstop! With 110 new photos, and two more sets of components. It gets you ready for the Christmas spirirt. First set? A plate and a few Chritmas icons like candles and gingerbread cookies. The second one? A bag with icons like two pawns, cotton ball, and a stone. You add the icons you think best describe your photo to the bag and let the other players feel it. No peeking allowed!
The expansions can be mixed and match, I like all of them. My wife is a big fan of the dice bar. I enjoy mixing all the pictures together for more variability.
The Final Pictures
Pictures is a fantastic, easy-to-pick-up party game that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're hosting a family game night or getting together with friends, this one is sure to deliver laughs and creative fun every time. If you haven’t tried it yet, grab a copy—because sometimes, the most random tools make the best art!
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