For this critical play, I played the game QuipLash with my roommates. One of my roommates has the jackbox party pack that includes this game, so we plugged it into our TV and got started!
This game seems to be targeted for all ages, but from my cultural understanding of the game, its seems to mostly be used by adults in the range of 18-30. There is nothing inherently
“adult” about this game, but its open ended nature brings about more inappropriate/taboo answers.
The game can be played by 3-8 players, but is more fun the more that play. At the start of each turn, players are given 2 secret prompts which they most answer. Their goal is the make the most funny response. For example, one prompt we got was “The only thing you can remember from inside the womb.”
Once all the players have answered the prompt, then they will go head to head with another user’s response, and all other players will anonymously vote on their favorite.
One elements of this game that is unique is the fact that users play on their phones. There is no need for an app, users just need to pull up a browser. This allows this game to be easily joint and left, and give a low barrier to entry for fun.
The objective of this game is to win (there are points) but from playing this game it seems like those who lose don’t really care that they lost, but the person who won realllly cares. I think this is because this game relies on making other laugh, and those who win feel like they are the funniest in the group, whereas others just had a good time.
The type of fun in this game is expression: players are able to test the bounds of their creativity while trying to make others laugh. This game is fun for those who are voting, and those who wrote the prompt, for it rotates your disposition from pride to laugher.
One reason this game is such a successes is its mailability. If one is playing with their parents, they can chose to answer in ways that match their parents humor. If one is playing with their friends, they can write answers that pull in inside jokes in a way that draws at intimacy with their friends. Because of this, players get a unique experience every-time they play the game. This keeps people coming back, and encourages them to play with a new set of people to keep the game changing.
I really liked this game, so the only thing that I would change is the nature of some of the prompts. Some seem pretty archaic and too strongly aimed towards a young audience, and can make the users playing upset if they get a “less fun” prompt.
Overall, what a great game! Thanks for reading 🙂
