Apples to Apples: Apple Crate Edition

Players: 4 to 10
Ages: 12 to Adult
Publisher: Out of the Box
Average Game Time: 20 to 30 Minutes
Price: $29.99
Rating: 10 of 10

Review by Brutilus

Party game of the year!

Apples to Apples is a game of comparisons. It has a simple 2 deck format (one deck of nouns, one of adjectives) and is one of the best party games I've ever played.

Gameplay is simple, each player has a hand of red apple cards (nouns) and the judge turns over a green apple card (adjectives). Each player, except the judge, turns in a noun that either a) they think will match the adjective best or b) will send the judge into a fit of hysterics. Players take turn being the "judge" so everyone gets to play God for a little while.

The judge turns over the green apple card (adjective) and reads it aloud to the mortal scum... I mean players.

The players then look at their hand and determine which of the red apple cards (nouns) they have will best fit either the adjective in play or the judge's warped sense of reality.

There are no rules for how the judge is to select their winner each round. So it becomes a matter of knowing the judge.

The Princess of Power took her judicious duty fairly seriously, whilst Mr. Stinkhead and I always bowed to the trump cards of "Picking Your Nose", "Captain Kirk", and the ever hilarious "Morticians". (Come on... Who doesn't laugh at morticians?)

The two "Create Your Own" noun cards sent Tuxxer, Stinkhead, and myself into fits of immature giggles when Your mom came up, but they had serious applications too.

Insults based on the judge's sexual prowess are serious business.

It is a great "get to know you game" and also works very well with old friends. We had the most fun with the "create your own" cards. That is, except for Mr. Stinkhead who wound up pouting after a certain insulting reference to his manhood by Tuxxer.

What's the difference between the Apple Crate and regular editions of Apples to Apples, Mr. Peabody?

I'm glad glad you asked Sherman, my boy!

The new Apple Crate Edition contains the original Apples to Apples and the first 2 sets of expansion cards. The grand total being over 1000 cards.

It's packaged in a big wooden crate that is fairly attractive. The lid slides open pretty easily so I would keep the slip cover to hold the lid closed for transport. After having it in my car for 2 months, the cards had come out of their holders, but the crate hadn't opened.

The Create Your Own cards hold up very well to multiple uses. They are easily written on with a pencil and erased just as easily with little evidence of damage to the card's material or finish.

The instructions are printed on light card stock and sit on top of the cards. Everything is well-designed and made for years of play.

Out Of The Box Games recommends Apples to Apples for ages 12 and up, but it makes a great family game. I have taught this game to kids as young as 8 and they had little trouble keeping up with the rest of the group.

Keep a copy of Apples to Apples on hand for your next gathering. It's sure to be a hit!

Apples to Apples: Apple Crate Edition is available at Games-for-less.com

Games-For-Less.com offers discount board games.

Article and all images are ©2004 MillionairePlayboy.com.