Paint the Roses

JELLY JELLY GAMES, NorthStar Game Studio, Reflexshop · Board game · 2022
2–5 · best 4 50–70 min Weight 2.4/5
7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
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7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love cooperative deduction games with a puzzle twist. The Alice in Wonderland theme adds a surrealist charm that fits the tension perfectly.

Highlights
  • Very clever deduction mechanics
  • Dynamic adaptive difficulty
  • Immersive and fun theme
  • Great player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Limited communication may frustrate some
  • Moderate language dependency
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Grab your scissors and paint, because you've just been hired as the new Royal Gardeners for the Queen of Hearts! The catch? Working for her is an extreme sport. In Paint the Roses, you and your friends must cooperate to decorate the palace gardens exactly how the most temperamental monarch of all time desires. Succeed, and you'll gain glory; fail, and well... 'Off with their heads!' isn't just a catchphrase, it's your final sentence.

The game is a logic deduction challenge where the Queen constantly changes her mind. Each player receives secret instructions (the Queen's whims) on how the flowers should be arranged. The twist is that you cannot simply state what is on your card. To convey information, you must place shrub tiles on the hexagonal grid, attempting to create visual clues for your teammates. Through pattern recognition and matching tokens, the group tries to guess the current whim of each player.

The tension ramps up because the Queen doesn't wait. She advances along a score track, and her speed automatically adjusts based on the group's performance. If you're doing great, she moves slowly, but a silly mistake makes her sprint toward you, speeding up the path to the guillotine. It's a game of indirect communication, where observation and team synergy are essential for survival. Can you decipher the Queen's mind before time runs out, or will you be just another set of heads rolling through the garden?
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Books: Alice in Wonderland Components: Game Trayz Inside Components: Scoring pad Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Theme: Flowers
Publisher JELLY JELLY GAMES, NorthStar Game Studio, Reflexshop
Designer Ben Goldman
Artist Jacqui Davis, Naomi Stanton-Gullak
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too hard?
It has a medium weight (2.4), but the difficulty adapts to your performance, adjusting to the group's skill level.
Do I need a translation to play?
Yes, there is moderate language dependency as the instruction cards need to be understood.
How many people can play?
From 2 to 5 players, making it a great cooperative experience for small to medium groups.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 50 and 70 minutes, depending on how quickly you decipher the patterns.
Is it suitable for people who dislike complex games?
If you enjoy puzzles and logic games, you'll love it. It's not a heavy 'euro', but it does require analytical thinking.