Love Letter is a classic game for a few reasons. It’s fast, it’s easy to learn, and most importantly it is infinitely easy to reimplement. Ever since it first debuted there have been a pile of licensed (and sometimes unofficial) version of the game even under the title’s new publisher Z-Man Games. Since I got the chance to check out Arkham Horror: Lovecraft Letter, it got me thinking about some of the other versions I’ve played or am excited to play. Here’s just a few of them.
Arkham Horror: Lovecraft Letter
This actually ISN’T the first version of Love Letter to use the incredibly fun pun on HP Lovecraft. Unlike the previous title (which I do strongly recommend), the Arkham Horror version is much more specific in using the setting and imagery associated with the Arkham Horror series. The deduction in this title is who is on the side of the Old Ones while still staying sane…which isn’t exactly easy when Cthulhu and Friends are involved. While every Z-Man version of Love Letter has great production I think Lovecraft Letter really sticks out with a nice box, great art, and the perfect eldritch vibe you want in a game like this.
Bridgerton Love Letter
One of the more perfect marriages of game to license to ever possibly exist. Bridgerton Love Letter is able to hew closer to the classic gameplay than other versions as you unmask Lady Whistledown — but adds a significant twist. Queen Charlotte is a uniquely powerful character that can eliminate multiple characters in a round. This can vastly reshape the field of suitors and make winning much easier…or it can lead to some deeply costly mistakes if you choose poorly.
The Fix For 626
Truth be told, I picked this one just because the packaging is absolutely amazing. I mean who doesn’t want a plushy stitch bag? The most child-friendly version of Love Letter, The Fix For 626 is proof that classic gameplay can be used in infinitely fun ways. This version takes the formula and centers it around finding Stitch himself with each player getting the help of members of Stitch’s family to find him. You also need to keep track of if he’s a Good Stitch or a Bad Stitch. And if you’re worried about if it ties into the live action worry…it’s not. All the art comes from the animated classic so everyone looks exactly how they should.
Archer: Once You Go Blackmail
For a brief period back when AEG had the Love Letter license, Cryptozoic tied the title to a whole bunch of licenses like Batman, Adventure Time, and more. All are worth checking out if you can find them, but the one that tied into FX’s Archer was possibly my favorite. Maybe it’s my affection for the show but the conceit of collecting blackmail on Malory Archer (and the dolphin tokens) is just a lot of fun. There’s also a neat “hidden identity” card that helps add a bit of spice to the core formula.
Love Letter Princess Princess Princess
For an in-depth look at this variant, you can check out Molly’s full review here. But for me, much like Bridgerton, this is just a natural fit for Love Letter. Production value is great for a card game thanks to art straight from the comic and there’s little touches for fans like calling the players “suitresses” instead of suitors. Plus, as Molly noted, it’s an explicitly queer card game using one of the cutest WLW comics out there. A great experience and choice at any time.
Images via respective owners. Lovecraft Letter review copy via Z-Man Games
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