Dixit: Odyssey – Surreal fantasy game for all ages

Dixit: Odyssey Review: The Dreamy Storytelling Game for Bigger Groups

Why the Game Works

Dixit: Odyssey is a storytelling game full of gorgeous, dreamlike art. It is the big-group version of the famous Dixit. The idea is beautiful: one player gives a clue for a card. Everyone else tries to find it. The clue should not be too obvious, and not too hidden.

In a round, the storyteller picks a card from their hand and gives a clue: a word, a sentence, or even a sound. The other players try to match the clue as close as they can. and picks a card from their hand that fits the clue. All cards are shuffled so no one knows which card belongs to who, then they are all revealed.

Then all cards are placed next to a number ranging from 1-12. The placement dosent matter. But the number matters! Because everyone has a number dial ranging from 1-12. They secretly chooses a number which they think is the storytellers card and then all reveal at the same time. 

The trick is for the storyteller to not be too precise while also not being to wage. Because if everyone chooses the stroytellers card everyone gets 3 points, except the storyteller! But if no one picks the storytellers card – as they have been to wage – everyone scores points but not the storyteller.

Example. I once said “Sunday morning” for a card with a lonely giraffe. Half the table voted for it. The other half thought I was mad. That is the perfect clue.

Gameplay & Rules in a Nutshell

• Storyteller: Picks a card and gives a clue. It must be clear enough for some, but not for all.
• Decoys: Every other player adds a card from their hand that fits the clue.
• Vote: Cards are shuffled and laid out. Everyone votes at the same time, secretly. You cannot vote for your own card.
• Score: If everyone or nobody finds the storyteller’s card, the storyteller scores nothing and everyone else scores. If some find it, the storyteller and those correct players score. Decoy makers also get points for every vote their card attracts.

Play until the score track ends. Odyssey lets up to 12 people play, and it stays smooth.

Who Is This Game For?

• Players: 3–12 (great with 5–8)
• Playing time: around 30 minutes
• Complexity: very light, around 1.2 out of 5 on BGG weight
• Age: 8+

It suits families, creative types and mixed groups. It is easy to explain, and the art does half the work.

Why Is This Game Good?

Fans of Dixit praise the mix of creativity and gentle bluffing. Players say it is a relaxed, inclusive game where there are no wrong answers, just clever or silly ones. The artwork is a big reason people love it. Reviewers also point out that the large player count is a big win, since few storytelling games can handle it. It is also compatible with other Dixit sets. The graphics are very surreal and beautiful. Sometimes you just have to stop up and just admire the craftsmandhip in the illustrations. 
I´ve player it with my family and also our daughter that were 5 years old at the time. She was too precise with her description of the illustration when she was the storyteller. Which was very cute. So the dad in me had to guess wrong just so she could fell like she did a good job.

Because, remenber that playing games are firstly about having fun and winning is secondary.

Criticisms: It is pretty subjective, so some gamers want more challenge. Also, the storyteller has a delicate job, and some players find that stressful. But giving a bad or too good of a clue is not the end of the world. You only miss out on a couple of points and its quickly some elses turn.

Our Verdict

Dixit: Odyssey is a calm, creative and beautiful game with a friendly vibe. If you have a big group or want a game that makes people share stories, pick it up. Highly recommended for families and relaxed game nights.

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