If you’ve been following the board game scene, you’ve likely heard of the party game Hitster. Developed by Marcus Carleson, this game originated from a 2019 brainstorming session focused on dinner games and was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2020, according to the official website. The core mechanic involves arranging ten songs in chronological order on a timeline. While seemingly straightforward, the challenge increases as you accumulate cards, narrowing the acceptable time frame. The concept of a music timeline is inspired by the classic game Timeline, a mechanic also utilized by the popular MIG series in their 0-1000 game.
The setup is simple: nominate a game leader equipped with a smartphone and a Spotify subscription (a premium subscription is necessary for song selection). A QR code located on the back of each card is scanned, and the phone is positioned with the screen concealed from the game leader. A song begins to play (ideally through a portable speaker placed centrally on the table). The gameplay varies depending on the desired difficulty level, but the core objective involves identifying the song and artist (which can be challenging due to numerous remakes) for bonus points, and accurately placing the card on the timeline. Correct placement earns you the card and allows you to continue playing. Incorrect placement results in the loss of all cards acquired during the round, introducing a strategic element. “Hitster” cards can be used to skip challenging songs or exchanged for a free game card on the timeline. Furthermore, players can wager against each other, predicting incorrect timeline placements and potentially gaining advantages.
A Compelling Concept with a Minor Drawback
Seasoned marketing professionals often suggest that “food (especially pizza) and film/TV” are universally engaging conversation starters. We propose adding “music” to this list, as most individuals have a personal connection to some form of music. Preferences often align with specific eras, particularly in film, TV, and music (though pizza’s appeal is arguably timeless). Hitster is immediately engaging, featuring a selection of popular songs that create a positive atmosphere. The desire to continue listening to these tracks long after the game concludes is common! However, a potential weakness lies in the advantage afforded to players with broad musical knowledge spanning over a century. While a strong memory is beneficial, it’s particularly helpful in knowledge-based games. The game features a disproportionately larger selection of music from the 21st century, potentially favoring younger or more contemporary music enthusiasts. To address this, consider implementing handicaps, such as awarding bonus cards to players born before the 1970s or restricting younger players from exchanging cards for game cards. Alternative Hitster versions with narrower focuses (similar to SingStar 90s) exist, and we plan to review these in the future.
Hitster: Summary
The game’s charm is captivating, and the broad selection of popular songs effectively enhances the party atmosphere. It’s common to rediscover forgotten favorites and exclaim, “That song brings back memories!“. Hitster is accessible, easy to learn, and broadly appealing (perhaps even more so than film and TV-themed party games; while we appreciate Master of Movies, its appeal is often limited to film enthusiasts). The game’s adaptability allows for rule adjustments to suit various player constellations (excluding individuals who genuinely dislike music).
Hitster is a prime candidate for inclusion in vacation packing lists, whether for summer cottages or holiday gatherings (such as National Day and Midsummer). It is highly recommended for party game enthusiasts and those who appreciate a wide range of music. We look forward to exploring additional versions soon.
Hitster provided review samples for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted with the reader’s and consumer’s interests as our priority.
