Apples to Apples (UK Edition) Review

Apples to Apples is a party game that is instantly accessible to people (not just gamers!) of all ages. Players each have a hand of red apple cards, on which nouns are written (for example - Winston Churchill, The BBC, The Industrial Revolution or Japan). Players take turns to be the Judge, whose role plays out as follows: the Judge draws a green apple card (on which an adjective is written - for example Messy or Ridiculous), and reads it out. As quickly as possible, players must lay a card face down from their hand of red apple cards which they think is either best suited to the word that has been read out, or the card that they think the judge is most likely to pick. The Judge receives one card from each player, unless there are 6+ players in the game - in which case the last player to lay a card has to take their card back into their hand. With less than 6 players, the official rule is that players can lay two cards, although only one at a time, until there is a set maximum of cards (determined by the number of players). These cards are then shuffled by the judge who then reads them out. The judge chooses a winning card and the player that owns the relevant card wins the green apple card. The role of the Judge now passes to the left, and play continues. Once a set number of green cards has been won by one player, that player wins the game!

One of the most important aspects of Apples to Apples is that when the Judge is in the process of judging the best card, players are encouraged to try and sway his or her opinion. The discussion that this brings to the table is often very lively and very humourous, and the Judge is under no obligation to choose the most 'suitable' card - they can choose whatever card they want for whatever reason they want - their decision is final!

I have always found Apples to Apples to be a game that brings even the most timid of people out of their shell, and the fact that everybody gets their chance to be the judge means that everyone will get their chance to be heard no matter what. Despite the rather dry sounding description, it has never failed to be a hit - even among groups of totally sceptical non-gamers, it has proven to be a great success.

One complaint I do have is that the UK version of the game (many pop culture references are included in the US version that would be lost on us Brits) has horrible graphic design - very dull greys and lifeless colour, with a totally unappealing picture of an apple being compared to an apple...so not only is the design totally overrun with bland colour, but also it is very literal, with no imagination employed whatsoever. Especially compared to the vibrantly colourful US version which comes complete with appealing cartoon apples!

Despite that, Apples to Apples UK still manages to retain its charm as a quirky and highly entertaining game. It is ridiculously simple to teach, and it is even easy for onlookers to join in a game at any point in the proceedings. This is my absolute favourite party game, and I recommend it very highly indeed for those looking for a simple game to entice even the most reluctant gamers to play.

Summary

Presentation: The game is basically lots of cards, but they’re sturdy and will stand up to punishment (which they will get!). Unfortunately the general design is lazily bland, a striking difference to the nicely colourful US version. 6.9/10

Clarity of Rules: A very simple game with easy-to-learn rules that are very clear and nicely laid out. 9.1/10

Game Length: Totally customisable – despite the suggestions for when to end the game in the rules, there is no reason why players can’t play until they’re bored – which often takes quite a while! 9.3/10

Value: Lots of cards mean that players can play many games and still be surprised at cards that they are given. Ridiculously fun with even the most sceptical family members. 9.6/10

Overall: The UK reprint of Apples to Apples gives us a way to play properly without obscure American pop culture references being included, but unfortunately does get the graphic design pretty wrong. Still, Apples to Apples is a superb game that will remain fun for years to come.9.1/10(not an average)

Review by Jason M. Brown