A system and method for image retrieval formulated as a game are disclosed. The method includes receiving a user's image category selection, retrieving an image responsive to the user's image category selection from an associated image database, and displaying the retrieved image and a set of candidate color palettes to the user. The set of candidate color palettes includes a correct palette and at least one incorrect palette. The method further includes providing for a user to attempt to identify the correct palette by selecting at least one of the displayed candidate color palettes and, with a computer processor, generating a score based on the user's at least one selection and outputting the score.