If you were on the internet circa 10 years ago, you couldn’t click without seeing a juvenile Cyanide & Happiness meme or comics. Started by three strangers that decided to send each other funny comics they’d drawn, Cyanide & Happiness quickly amassed quite a following. I should know, I was still an undergrad then…10 years ago!
Aging crisis aside, the game Joking Hazard came out of this comic turned series turned internet sensation from the same creators: Dave McElfatrick, Kris Wilson and Rob DenBleyker. It’s a judging game where one player sets up the joke and players have to put in suggestions for the best punchline. The first player chooses who has the funniest submission without seeing who played which card.
My friends and I tried this online on Wednesday evening and it was hilarious. There are a few things that make this game so good.
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1- Element of surprise: The jokes themselves weren’t funny on their own but they are unexpected. I have a set of this game at home and I know the range of shocking cards they have that label the game absolutely not safe for any respectable setting. However, it strips you of all your inhibitions because it’s a game. I love how this game uses that to create fun.
2- Deduction challenge: In order to win, you need to understand what would make the judging player laugh. So you have to change your strategy based on who is currently the judge. This makes it interesting and challenging enough that it keeps you on your toes.
3- Aesthetics: This game’s graphics are minimal and have just enough to convey what’s needed. It’s what made the comic so popular and it works here too. There are a lot of cards with absolutely no text in them but they still managed to crack us up to no end.
4- No offense: Unlike cards against humanity, there’s very little chance of offending someone with this game. It can get into the sexual realm real quick but you can easily play your cards to tone it down or up as you like.
Overall, I really enjoy playing this game. It’s a nice break where you can be as juvenile and immature as you’d like.
