Exploding Kittens

EXPLODING KITTENS: A CARD GAME FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE INTO KITTENS AND EXPLOSIONS AND LASER BEAMS AND SOMETIMES GOATS.

Where do I even begin? I've always been a fan of the oatmeal. Who isn't? Their comics are hilarious and their illustrations are even better. Originally I heard this was going to be a card game, I have to be honest and say that I just wasn't interested. I didn't think that this could be THAT good of a game considering we are fans of some more strategic and complex euro boardgames. Boy were we wrong. This card game is a load of fun for both adults and children!!

But first, let's begin with the packaging. This came in a unique cardboard packaging that was printed with the company's graphics. Not just plain brown box. The box itself has a soft matte texture that really is nice to touch. That tactile material they chose? A+.  On top of that, there is a hinged magnetic flap to open and close the box.

Here you can see the Taco Cat's eye has the light sensor!

The version reviewed here is the Kick Starter edition that you can purchase straight from the company's website (linked below). This isn't the one sold on Amazon. This special edition is one that MEOWs when you open the box. That's right. It MEOWs! I suggest you buy this version right meow. You won't regret it.

All the different types of cards

This edition is a fun party game to play with the family, and kids can play too. It is for 2-5 players, anyone ages 7 or up, and plays in about 15 minutes. They have another edition that is NSFW (not safe for work) that you wouldn't want to break out in front of the kids. I haven't personally played it but I've read the reviews. It's safe to say...don't play with kids. This game is a simple card game that has a small learning curve, yet it is explosions of fun to play. The object of the came is to stay alive and not drawing an exploding kitten. If you do and don't have a defuse card in your hand to stop it, you explode and die. The last person to stay alive wins!

The cards in the photo above are action cards. These are the only 6 actions you can take in the game, so use them wisely. These cards help you strategize and help you stay alive as long as possible. Most of the time, these cards on only helpful when you know theres a exploding kitten coming up or think it is the next card. These cards can allow you to skip a turn, shuffle the deck, skip drawing a card etc.

The cards that you see in the photo above (minus the "See the Future" card on the far left, my mistake!) are not action cards. BUT they are not totally useless. They allow for what the game calls "special combos."  Two of a kind combo allows you to play a pair of kittens to steal a random card from another player. Three of a kind combo allows you to steal a NAMED card from another player ("give me your diffuse card!!!"). However, if the player doesn't have the card you named, you get nada. So make sure you are paying attention and know that they have the card you want. Five different card combo allows you to take any card you want out of the discard pile. See that defuse card that just went down? Snatch it quickly if you have 5 different cards to play to take it for your hand of cards. When you play these combo's, a good strategy (in my opinion) is to use these non-action cards so you don't waste your good action cards. But sometimes you don't have 5 different cards for that combo to take a defuse card from the discard pile, then that is when I'll throw an action card in that mix to get it...if I'm desperate enough.

I really didn't know what to expect when I first played this game with 3 other people. But my husband and I agree that this is a keeper and one to bring to family and friend gatherings. Even people who are not "gamers" would appreciate this game. That is why this game has such a big draw. It appeals to a large variety of people, even serious gamers. I highly recommend checking this game out if you ever had any reservations about this game. It's a fun one!!

Purchase yours here or on the company site for the meowing edition here.

Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.