Thank you Daniela for giving me the chance to review this!
Reputation: Game of Fame (2020) - Courtesy of D. Kresnadi
Disclaimer: This game is yet to be released
I’m sure everyone at some point has fantasised the taste of being famous - randomly belting out songs hoping that you would be scouted by a talent agent (likewise with acting), otherwise train your way for that glorious Olympic dream. Indeed, the glamourous life does have its perks - slightly easier access to the VIP invitations, better quality of life and being a great role model for others.
But how long can you keep that charade for? Especially when people being human love to stir and create scandalous gossip about you. Don’t forget those ridiculous tabloids that paparazzi enjoy boxing you into. Oh, did I mention about having those unhealthy rival relationships? Just one wrong move - your reputation can land you back to square one.
Offering a taste of that ‘what-if’ lifestyle is Daniela Kresnadi’s tongue-in-cheek Reputation: Game of Fame. Drawing inspiration from the classic life-simulation game Sims’s expansion pack Get Famous as well as the pesky but addictive nature of pop-culture gossip, this card game offers two to six players an insight to the ups and downs of celebrity culture. Ranging from artist to politician, each player will have three cards that determine their ‘deeds’ that assist them in building a solid if not healthy influence in the media. But be careful, those who have a competitive streak can hand you a ‘bad reputation’ that can bring your celebrity status to ultimate ruin. Albeit, if you play your cards right - you might have the opportunity to wipe your image squeaky clean or do a 180 opting for a different career and be the last one standing.
Who will you be? Politician, Artist or Film Director? - Courtesy of D. Kresnadi
As a lover of deep shades of reds (heck even my Instagram icon is red), I am already captivated by the simple but graphic packaging of the game - a demonstration of Kresnadi’s playful and whimsical style. The cast of characters offered are beautifully executed and diverse. Sentences referenced in the cards are relatable, quirky and classy - although those who may not be familiar with the latest gossip or millennial jargon may need to do a bit of online research into some of the ‘celebrity scandals’ and ‘good deeds’ referenced in the cards.
Good reputation? Courtesy of D. Kresnadi
While it’s designed to be a light-hearted take on the fame culture - below the surface, Reputation is evidently a mirror to how the public can quickly frame and react to celebrities in the rise and rise of social media. After all, isn’t it easy to make offhand comments on a character’s reputation based on the number of likes otherwise followers? Not to mention, examples of bad reputation including ‘licking doughnuts’ otherwise ‘dirty politics’ while reminding us some of those unforgettable real-life scandalous events, makes you question how a bad action is measured against one another. Even if it does come down to luck sometimes, how you play your personal image is as much to how you play your Reputation cards.
Bad reputation? Courtesy of D. Kresnadi
Satire aside - Reputation is a beautifully illustrated game made to enjoy the illusion we often frame our beloved celebrities. I’m sure once COVID restrictions ease up larger groups will be building their character’s successful development over friendly competitive banter.
Just make sure you don’t take it too personally should someone deals you a card that milkshake ducks you.
Sounds interesting?
You can support Reputation: Game of Fame on Kickstarter here! Backing ends 3rd November, 2020