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Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil is a fantastic card game that is inspired by the Netflix animated series. This bolt-on edition can be played as a standalone experience or combined with the base game. Either option is phenomenal and you’ll laugh, curse, and smile the night away. Furthermore, you’ll admire the artwork by The Oatmeal. The often creepy but interesting images add an unnatural edge and a sinister layer to proceedings.
If you are unaware of this much-loved franchise, this shouldn’t put you off. No prior knowledge is required, and you’ll get to grips with the madness in less than 5 minutes. I was recommended the game by a friend, and I can see why they referred to it as cruel and hilarious. Every playthrough is a blend of tactics and underhanded behaviour. Additionally, there is a heavy slice of luck as you try to avoid the deadly exploding kittens.
What’s in the box of Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil?
- The packaging is as mischievous and naughty as the game itself. The amusing imagery and rich colour palette are eye-catching. Moreover, it is robust.
- Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil comprises over 50 playing cards. Furthermore, there are diffuse, armageddon, and exploding kitten cards to enhance the tactical elements.
- A God Cat and Devil Cat card are the ultimate risk.
- A play mat for the God and Devil cats.
- Learn the rules with the starter guide.
How do you play this game?
At first, Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil looks complicated. However, it is remarkably easy to master. There is a video guide or a written starter guide to assist you. Players are dealt 7 mystery cards and 1 diffuse card. Moreover, there are exploding kitten cards added to the deck. Once the game is set up, the action can begin.
Each player takes it in turn to use the cards in their hands. You may attack a specific player, see the future, place cat cards, or pass. As the game evolves, you’ll risk picking up an exploding kitten card. If this happens, you must use your diffuse card or be eliminated from the game. Furthermore, if an armageddon card is played, the God and Devil cat come into play. The action continues until 1 player survives.
Gloriously wicked gameplay.
Card games should have a prickly edge and a layer of luck. Thankfully, Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil has both. The mixture of action cards and amusing cat cards allows players to test their tactical nuance throughout. Additionally, you can team up against one player if you so wish. Though this was naughty, it added a cruel element to an already mean game.
The silly cat cards made me chuckle while delivering a game-changing mechanic. They allow you to steal cards or force your opponent into taking more turns. This can be an essential tool as the game evolves. On top of this, the armageddon card is the nuclear option. As this is played, you must place either the Devil Cat or God Cat in front of one player. That person must choose to keep the card in front of them or swap it. Once the decision is made, they must reveal what card they have. If the Devil is in their hand, they explode and it could be game over. Alternatively, if they hold the God Cat, they have the most powerful card ever created and the other player must use a diffuse card or explode.
This blend of naughty action and unpredictable action was fantastic. Though the mechanics are brilliantly simple, each game is unbelievably complex. You must decide whether to keep your powder dry and wait, or you can go all-out and hope that this is enough to keep you alive.
Build quality.
Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil is a drinking game and it can be played with friends and family. Accordingly, it has to be robust as drunk people and cardboard do not go hand-in-hand. Luckily, the chunky cards are strong and this prevents them from becoming damaged easily. Moreover, the play mat is well-built and it can take a little rough and tumble.
The build quality impressed me, but it was the exceptional illustration that made this stand out. The vibrant colours and interesting imagery will catch your eye. I loved the strange ideas and silly nature of the action cards. The designers have let that imagination go wild and the game excels as a consequence.
Is Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil worth it?
Though this is a game about exploding cats, no cats were hurt in the process. Subsequently, if you adore felines and you have a naughty sense of humour, this game will be right up your street. Furthermore, this 2-5 player game is fantastic no matter how many people play. Therefore, if you want something a little unusual that will make you smile, I recommend buying it here!
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
