1990 · Software Creations · Board game · Puzzle

Pictionary

Nintendo exclusive

The excitement of one of the America's most popular party games comes to the NES with Pictionary. Not only are the elements of the board game there, but so are several picture-based mini-games. Additionally, this version can be played solo, whereas the board game requires at least three people.

Released: 1 July 1990
Platforms: NES
Genres: Board game Puzzle
Developers: Software Creations
Publishers: LJN
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Themes: Party
Country: United Kingdom
Composers: Tim Follin

About

Pictionary: The Game of Video Quick Draw is a video board game developed by Software Creations and published by LJN for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is based on the board game of the same name. Players may play in up to four teams of unlimited players.

The game has been noted in retrospect for its uncharacteristically enthusiastic soundtrack composed by Tim Follin, which was considered both high quality and unusual for a game of its type.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The game can be played by either solo players, against the CPU, or in teams; correctly identifying drawings allows the player to roll a die to advance spaces on a game board.

If played against the CPU or with two players, the game utilizes predetermined drawings, and timed minigames are played to reveal segments of the drawing. If played in teams of two or more, then a "designated drawer" is chosen, which draws an image of a randomly-selected subject using the controller for their partner to guess. If it is correctly guessed, the user must use the honor system to tell the game whether or not the answer was guessed correctly.

Reception

Nintendo Power gave Pictionary a score of 3.5/5 for graphics and sound, 2.7/5 for play control, 3.1/5 for challenge, and 3/5 for theme and fun.

The soundtrack, composed by Tim Follin, has been the subject of retrospective commentary because of its unusually intense nature for a board game. Den of Geek called it "one of the greatest and strangest soundtracks in video game history", feeling it was more appropriate in a beat 'em up or a nightclub. Sonicstate praised Follin for his "outstanding use of limited musical resources" in creating the music.