Cat-Bursting Board Game: Exploding Kittens
In the world of board games, "Exploding Kittens: The Board Game" stands out as a strategic, fast-paced game that combines the excitement of the popular card game with an interactive 3D pop-up game board.
Priced at 26 Euro, this game is suitable for players aged 7 and above, and can accommodate 2 to 6 players. The objective is simple yet challenging: be the first to move your cat to the medal on the board without landing on an Exploding Kitten space.
Gameplay involves moving your cat standee forward on the board using move cards, playing action cards to disrupt other players or protect yourself, and avoiding the Exploding Kitten spaces. But here's the twist: the board can flip during gameplay, changing the layout and forcing players to adapt quickly.
Key gameplay mechanics include moving your standee, playing action cards, avoiding Exploding Kitten spaces, the board flipping, and the game supporting up to 6 players. The goal is either to be the last player alive or to be the first to reach the end of the board safely.
The turn structure is straightforward: players play cards and move their standee, with strategic timing to either advance or sabotage others. Unlike the original Exploding Kittens card game, this board game adds spatial movement and an evolving board, increasing complexity and interaction.
The game is published by Asmodee and is based on the detailed rules of the original card game. Players have different roles, draw and play cards each turn, and aim to be the last alive by using strategic play of action cards like Bang!, Beer, and weapon cards. Some cards have immediate effects; others last until removed.
Landing on a number allows a player to draw that many cards, and a "Nope" card can prevent a player from reaching the finish line. A player can also fold the game board over at any time, changing the game's conditions. In case a player lands on an exploding kitten, they are forced to swap places with the last cat.
"Exploding Kittens: The Board Game" received a rating of 4 out of 6 dice for entertainment value. The game is a fun and engaging way to spend 20 minutes with friends or family, offering a unique blend of strategy, chance, and a dash of humour.
For precise rules, the official instructions/manual provided with the game detail turn order, card types, and special game mechanics. Official downloadable instructions and a field guide are available from the publisher’s website for more in-depth guidance.
In this new iteration, 'Exploding Kittens' extends beyond cards to a home-and-garden setting with the board game version, providing a lifestyle choice for game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic gaming. This 3D pop-up game board, reminiscent of home-and-garden decor, offers an interactive twist to the popular card game.
