Funny Board Games Buying Guide

If you're looking for a way to add some laughs and entertainment to your game night, a humorous board game is a perfect choice. These games are designed to be fun and lighthearted, often making light of everyday situations, pop culture references, and common stereotypes. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which game to purchase. This guide will take you through key factors to consider when purchasing a funny board game.

Gameplay

The first thing to consider when purchasing a funny board game is the gameplay. These games can be competitive or cooperative and can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to play. Some games, like Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens, are easy to learn and quick to play, while others may require more strategy, like Gloom or Munchkin. It's essential to consider the group you'll be playing with when choosing a game. If you're planning on playing with a group of adults, a game like Cards Against Humanity may be a good choice. Still, if you're playing with children or younger family members, you'll want to choose a game that's appropriate for their age group.

Pop Culture References

Many funny board games feature pop culture references, such as movies, TV shows, or music. These references can be funny and add to the gameplay experience, but they can also be a turnoff for those who aren't familiar with the reference. It's essential to consider your group's interests and knowledge when choosing a game with pop culture references. If you're playing with die-hard Harry Potter fans, a game like Hogwarts Battle may be a good choice. If you're playing with a group of friends who aren't as into pop culture, consider choosing a game with more general themes, like Telestrations or Wits and Wagers.

Replay Value

Another essential factor to consider is the game's replay value. A game with high replay value will keep your group entertained and engaged for multiple playthroughs. Some funny board games, like Cards Against Humanity, can become repetitive after several playthroughs. However, others, like Codenames or Spyfall, are endlessly replayable due to the randomized cards and varied gameplay. When choosing a game, look for reviews and comments that mention the game's replay value.

Number of Players

The number of players a game can accommodate is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a humorous board game. Some games are designed for small groups, like The Resistance or Betrayal at Baldur's Gate, while others can accommodate large groups, like Pictionary or Taboo. Consider the size of your group and how many players you'll typically have before purchasing a game. If you typically play with a large group, look for games that can accommodate six or more players.

Quality of Components

The quality of a game's components can impact the gameplay experience. Look for games with high-quality cards, boards, and game pieces, as these will make the game more enjoyable to play. Cheap components may break or wear out over time, potentially ruining the game's replay value. Additionally, some games, like Cards Against Humanity, require frequent shuffling and handling of the cards, so it's essential to choose a game with durable components.

Overall Fun Factor

The ultimate factor to consider when purchasing a humorous board game is the overall fun factor. A game that's marketed as funny or entertaining may not necessarily deliver on its promise. Look for reviews and comments from other players to gauge whether a game is genuinely enjoyable. If you're unsure about a game's fun factor, consider trying it out before purchasing.

Conclusion

Choosing a humorous board game can be challenging, with many factors to consider, including gameplay, pop culture references, replay value, number of players, quality of components, and overall fun factor. By carefully considering these factors and doing your research, you can find a game that's both entertaining and enjoyable for your group.

Humor Type

Humor is subjective, and what one person finds funny may not resonate with someone else. Board games with a humorous theme can be categorized into various types of humor, such as puns, sarcasm, satire, or slapstick. If you know the type of humor that your group enjoys, you can consider games that cater to that taste. Suppose you're looking for a game with wordplay and puns. In that case, a game like Punderdome or Dad Joke Face-Off may be a suitable choice. If you prefer games that employ irony or sarcasm, you might enjoy a game like Unstable Unicorns or The Game of Things.

Game Length

Another important factor to consider when choosing a humorous board game is the game length. Some games can take a few minutes to play, while others can run up to a few hours. Games like Joking Hazard or Snake Oil can last up to 30 minutes, making them ideal for a quick, lighthearted game night. If you're looking for a more immersive experience, you might enjoy longer games like Betrayal at Baldur's Gate or Pandemic, which can take several hours to complete.

Accessibility and inclusivity

Inclusivity has become a critical issue in board games, as players are looking for games that are inclusive and welcoming to all players. Though humor is an essential aspect of many board games, it's essential to ensure the game doesn't offend or exclude any particular group. When choosing a humorous board game, consider the game's theme, mechanics, and narrative to ensure it doesn't propagate stereotypes or offensive humor. Some games, like Cards Against Humanity, have faced criticism over some of the game's cards' themes, while others, like Dixit, have been praised for their inclusive and imaginative gameplay. Look for games that cater to diverse groups and promote positivity and mutual respect among players.

Budget

Humorous board games can come with varying price tags, with some games costing less than $10, while others can cost over $50. Consider your budget when choosing a game, and determine how much you're willing to spend. Some games require expansions or additional content, so factor in the cost of those items when making a purchase. You can scour online marketplaces, board game stores, or second-hand stores to find deals and discounts on board games.

Final thoughts

Funny board games can be a great way to unwind, bond, and laugh with friends or family. The key is to find a game that suits your group's interests, skill level, and humor preferences. By considering factors like gameplay, pop culture references, replay value, number of players, quality of components, humor type, game length, inclusivity, and budget, you can find a game that's both enjoyable and engaging. Remember, the point of playing a game is to have fun, so choose a game that everyone in your group will enjoy.