Quotes & Verses Review | The Perfect Lenten Season Game

There are some boardgames that defy the normal definition of a “game”. Quotes & Verses is such. It is the first published game of local Filipino designer Ron Villaver and is distributed by Ludus.

Quotes & Verses (Q&V) comes in a small box perfect for travel. The game consists of 4 rule cards, 28 tokens, and 148 game cards. There are 3 card types, Quotes, Verses and Ideas. It is a game that plays from 2 to 7 players and takes around 10 minutes per player.

Q&V is simple to play. The 3 types of cards are shuffled into their 3 distinct piles, Quotes, Verses and Ideas. Each player draws 3 Quotes and 4 Verses. Players take turns as the Leader of the round. The Leader draws an Idea card, reflects on it, and shares an experience, a thought or what the Idea means to his/her life. The other players choose cards from their hand and discuss how that Quote or Verse applies to the Leader’s experience. The Leader gives 1 point to the player who’s sharing he liked the most.  The next player becomes the new Leader and play continues till everyone has had a chance to be Leader. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Gameplay wise Q&V is classified as a social party game. But it is more than that. In my plays of the game, I’ve seen players share intimate secrets, dreams and problems. The game can evoke strong emotions and more than once have I seen people shed a tear. It is also cathartic, the act of sharing providing both spiritual and emotional comfort.  I have also witnessed the sharing provide some real-life solutions to problems. It has a tendency to strengthen ties between players since sharing is usually deep and personal.

The game has some religious themes. Many of the Quotes are from the bible. But it is neither preachy nor judgmental. It coaxes openness from players. The play experience is very similar to a retreat or bull session but with none of the apprehension or emotional stress attached since it is still technically a game and players are not forced to talk about things they are not comfortable with.

I have lent the game to friends, a religion teacher and a charismatic group. They all say the same thing. There is something about the game that touches the heart and uplifts the soul. I agree with that assessment. Of course, one only gets as much from the game as you’re willing to share. But even if you are apprehensive to try, I suggest you give this game a shot, you might just be surprised how much you will learn about yourself and your playmates – and how uplifting that communal experience can be.

Review Score: 10/10

It is the perfect game for the Lenten season. I have seen and played other religious themed games, but nothing has hit me as much as Q&V. If you are seeking some insight and reflection during this Holy Week, I can’t recommend Q&V highly enough. It might just change your life.