Love Letter is a card game from the Alderac Entertainment Group where two to four players must battle for the affections of the princess and get their letter to her before anyone else. Designed by Seiji Kanai, Love Letter involves a lot of subtle scheming as players draw a card and play a card each turn with effects like looking at other players’ hands, trading hands, or calling out other players’ cards. For only featuring sixteen cards, it’s surprisingly robust and has a lot of replay value. It’s the perfect game for casual and newbies alike. There are a lot of variations on the original so here’s my guide to which Love Letter theme is right for you!
Love Letter Tempest Edition (Original)
For those living the Jane Austin life with a bit of Game Of Thrones thrown in for good measure, nothing beats the original Love Letter. Set in Alderac’s own mythos, the original Love Letter takes place in the city-state of Tempest with forces battling for the affections of Princess Annette. Will you play the Prince Arnaud card and discard him forcing another player of your choice to discard their hand? Or will you play the Handmaid Susannah card and be immune to the affects of other players’ cards until the end of your turn. All’s fair in Love Letter and war!
Love Letter Batman Edition
Don’t be fooled by the title, there’s plenty of darkness and no parents in this edition of Love Letter. As Batman, you must attempt to round up the rogues gallery of villains like Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, and The Joker himself. Unlike the original, the Batman card can also earn you extra tokens during the round (instead of just at the end of your turn), making the game feel more like a rip-roaring adventure with your fellow players. In this partnership with Cryptozoic, Love Letter Batman Edition promises plenty of grit and whimsy for the perfect Gotham night!
Love Letter Wedding Edition
Getting married? Love Letter Wedding Edition is perfect for you and the significant geek in your life. Available by request only (Yes, you need to show proof you are indeed getting married. Take that scalpers!), this edition is only an aesthetic overhaul of the original. The princess now sports a beautiful wedding gown. Think of how nice a set of this game will look as part of your table centerpieces. Now all they need is the companion honeymoon edition!
Love Letter The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies
Let a little fire and gold rain down with your love in Love Letter The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies edition. Featuring images and quotes from Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, it’s up to you to locate the fabled Arkenstone (“the king’s jewel!”) before other players do. There are a few ‘precious’ twists on the original game like the One Ring card that quickly can become your saving grace or the Legolas and Tauriel cards that allow you to team up with another player for even more strategic opportunities!
Love Letter Premium Edition
Image provided by Board Game Geek TV
Hardcore Love Letter devotees are going to get the set they deserve this fall with upgraded and bigger cards PLUS an expansion set for 5 to 8 players. This expansion adds new cards like The Jester and The Assassin, opening Love Letter up to brand new ways to defeat your enemies and delivering your letter to Princess Annette before anyone else. I can’t wait to try it!
Also watch the TableTop episode featuring Love Letter:
Which Love Letter are you playing? Are you ready to go premium? What kind of Love Letter theme would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below!
All images courtesy of Alderac Entertainment Group