Heartthrob

About this board game

Heartthrob is a dating game for 2–6 players, designed to play in about 30 minutes. Released in 1988, it asks you to decide whether first impressions or personality matter more when choosing a potential heartthrob.

Begin by judging three photo cards on looks alone. Select the guy who catches your eye, then try to predict which guy each of your friends will pick. If your guesses are correct, you could win this dreamy dating game.

But appearances do not tell the whole story. Personality cards reveal more about the guys, introducing details that may make them more appealing—or become an immediate turn-off. As new information appears, you must reconsider whether a handsome face is enough.

• Choose a heartthrob from three photo cards.
• Guess which guys your friends will select.
• Discover personality traits that change the appeal of each choice.
• Balance looks against personality when making your decisions.

The surprises can be memorable. Johnny cracks his knuckles and bites his fingernails. Brad still sleeps with a teddy bear. Greg eats bugs to gross out girls. These revelations create playful choices as you decide which qualities you can overlook and which ones change your mind.

With its combination of visual first impressions, personal preferences, and predictions about other players, Heartthrob turns dating-game judgments into a social challenge. Pick your favorite, read between the lines, and see whether you can anticipate everyone else’s choice.