Top 10 Party Games

[@cdawg9320]

Part One: Honorable mentions ------------------------------------------------ 1:25 - Ultimate Werewolf 2:58 - Reverse Charades 4:30 - Apples to Apples 7:02 - Faux-Cabulary 8:44 - Cineplexity 11:21 - GiftTrap 13:03 - Pow-Wow 14:35 - Liar's Dice Part Two: Top Ten ----------------------------------------------- 10. 16:02 - Ca$h 'n' Gun$ 9. 20:39 - Compatibility 8. 23:26 - Pluckin' Pairs 7. 27:14 - Dixit 6. 31:10 - Telestrations 5. 33:33 - Beyond Balderdash 4. 37:13 - Faces 3. 40:28 - Say Anything! 2. 44:00 - Wits and Wagers 1. 47:20 - Time's Up!

[@guillermoz4914]

2022 here! Wow has The DT grown 🙌🏽

[@fanaticc]

I can't believe "The resistance" or "The resistance: Avalon" are not on the list :D

[@josiahburkhardsmeier3119]

I love these top 10 videos; not only do I get to hear about all sorts of games, but I get to relax and laugh my socks off!!! Thanks guys!

[@jcb3393]

9:50 - 10:54 This can also be said of "Encore", a game that is a favorite in my family, but very difficult to find others outside of the family who are so passionate about songs (and memorizing all the lyrics) as we are.

[@johnnyhall3]

No reason Sam should have been involved with this video. Brought the energy down in a video about party games! Party pooper, for sure.

[@skanckc]

The "mean" game they're thinking of around 30:00 is True Colors. My wife and I used to play it a lot with other couples, and by the end of each game at least one couple was no longer talking to each other. For some twisted reason, that's exactly what I love about that game.

[@TheOpGames]

Wow, what a great list! We love all of these games, and we're honored that Telestrations made the cut. We'll be looking forward to your next video (as always).

[@salmonblox]

I was the guy who made the comment about Telestrations that Tom mentioned. I'd like to qualify my statement, though; I wasn't so much criticizing the game as I was pointing out that my friends and I have played this at almost every party for 10 years, without realizing that a commercial variant existed. THAT is why I insist it can still be played with just paper and pencils, because we've done just that. Yes, the components are lovely, I just balk at the price point for what you get from it.

[@eprasuhn]

Thanks for another great video! Glad to hear your going to be doing more. In general I feel the same as Sam about party games. I don't get to play games a whole lot, so when I do I don't like to play party games. But you listed some good ones, that I do enjoy playing. Thanks again!

[@DenaPageIrlen]

Zee's comment about cultural differences preventing people from fully engaging with a party game is so true. My daughter didn't live in the U.S. until she was 8 and years later she still struggles with Apples to Apples sometimes because she holds a handful of cards referencing people she doesn't know. her first couple years here, it was often frustrating and not fun for her. She'd cope by throwing in something randomly, no different than when the box plays. It did give us an opportunity to teach her about pop culture, but that changed the rhythm and feel of the game.

[@WorkshopYS]

I really appreciated Zee and Tom's capacities to appreciate how hard it is to create a really great party game. Laughter is hard. We're not talking about "physical" beauty. It's more profound than that.

[@al8587]

The last five minutes when Tom explains his reasoning for why he likes party games and mentions TI3, and Sam just wants to flip, priceless

[@Straddllw]

Alex Wilkinson His expression killed me ahahaha

[@greenbee5]

Sam disagreeing is always so hilarious. He really is the perfect addition to the group. His totally different personality and opinions makes the discussions much more informative and fun. I really enjoy it. :D

[@skyorrichegg]

The most fun I ever had in a beyond balderdash game was when we didn't keep score and only played the movie plot category. We had hilarious fun doing that on a large family trip to Switzerland and it didn't degenerate into pure randomness; we were still trying to match the tone and voice the card descriptions had.

[@DrFearCo]

Ultimate simplicity is very difficult to achieve which is where I think Tom was coming from when comparing party games to big games.

[@TimmeeBee]

Love these videos. I'd like to see a Top 10 of games with Simultaneous Actions. That might sound quite specific but I run a Youth Group and it's hard to keep everyone focussed. Well... maybe you could do Top 10 Youth Group games. ;-)

[@RavensbladeDX]

The discussion about 'what is a party game?' in the middle of the video was very compelling. You guys should think about a spin off video series where you tackle interesting questions about gaming.

[@ThomasMilligan_UK]

Really enjoy these Top Ten videos!

[@kevinsullivan3448]

When you're talking about a party game you have to look at the type of party as well. If it's all guys, all girls, or a mixed group you might pick a game for different reasons. Some games are really good for introspection, like compatability, and you wouldn't necessarily want that for a casual game where you don't have set couples like at a dinner party where you invite all your married friends.

[@wanplaypause]

This list needs updating!

[@jaredbeiswenger3766]

These lists get better and better each time

[@ikesteroma]

I think of the three, Sam is my kind of gamer the most. But several good points were brought up, and maybe I need to rethink the party game genre where I can actually them stocked in, of all places, Walmart.

[@ikesteroma]

Sam is also completely spot on the mark: I don't believe for a second that the artistic quality of almost all party games are anywhere near the quality of TI3.

[@Stairc]

Party Game: Anything that works really well at a party of people not already familiar with the game. It therefore needs simple rules that are easy to learn and a lack of ways to seriously mess up. It's extremely friendly to new players and usually doesn't have a long playtime, meaning you can play the game at a party inbetween other activities.

[@mikkexh]

It's hard to keep a straight face at the office when sneaking these videos in behind work.. I love the top 10 lists! I also want to thank Sam for participating.. :)

[@mmckinney1070]

You guys are so fun! Thanks for the videos!

[@Nolderrivlen]

Love these top 10 videos!

[@007nikster2]

I love the top ten shows with you three!! keep it up!!

[@AgentKuo]

We own this game, I forget what it's called, but on your turn, you pick 3 cards, one is a person, one is a place, and one is an action, and you have to draw the person in that place, doing the action, and then everyone has to guess the three things. It seems similar to Telestrations. There's scoring, but we don't really do the scoring.

[@jcb3393]

+Sam Healey 29:05 I'm with you, Sammy. This game is good, but not my favorite by a far stretch. I think my problem with it is there is so much downtime while someone tries to come up with a clue. Analysis Paralysis to the max! But, a lot of people I play games with LOVE this game, so I play it with them.

[@Ponimaju]

i love me some mad gab and catchphrase; taboo is good and similar to catchphrase as well. both have a huge potential for laughter and sillyness, which i think you'll agree are two things that people look for in a party game.

[@MrJenssen]

He just doesn't like party games that much, but that makes it even more important to have him in on this list, because he represents a counter-point. And believe it or not, but people are different, and there's guaranteed plenty of people like Sam, who don't necessarily DISLIKE party-games, but just has a way higher standard of quality and/or different view of what makes a good and fun party game. This isn't a list for you or me or that guy. It's a list for "everyone".

[@AvengersPC]

I am surprised "The Game of Things" was not mentioned. Good list though! I love your guys' reviews :) Keep the trio around. You guys are great!

[@The1337CH]

I don't think I've ever laughed at a Sam Healey comment, but his well timed interruption at 15:25 couldn't have been funnier. I'm not even sure if it was meant to be funny or just keep the video on track,but I thoroughly enjoyed his sort of grumpy attempt to move things along.

[@dylankonarzewski6829]

My favorite party game is between Quelf and Telestrations

[@ItsDempseyTime]

55 minutes of genuine fun. I can't see the problem.

[@FacelVega42]

My favorite one is "The Fat Penguin" - it's hilarious, thought-provoking and naughty! Big plus is that there's a free app version.

[@Gizmovolders]

Yeah we have a friend like that too. He is quiet while we rant and mock each other and we always wonder if he enjoys himself but he really does. Well he keeps coming back anyway.

[@JaKamps]

I find that Curses! is a fun game to play in a group, if you're playing with people who don't mind acting or doing something silly. It's probably most enjoyable when trying to compound & play off of other people's actions, & not necessarily trying to win.

[@JaKamps]

Catch Phrase is good & works well is small & large groups (especially)! I prefer it over Taboo b/c you're not as limited & can gesture as well.

[@PurityThruFire]

Oh man, I 100% love to see a top 10 strange/funny stories about gaming sessions.

[@harpdevil]

Designing a party game compared to a more complex game is comparable writing a children's book and writing a novel. Yes, in a children's book there will be less words on a page, but they're still trying to invoke the same levels of involvement and enjoyment from the reader. They're just different target audiences. When that's done really well and you've got a hit, oftentimes that enjoyment can spread to everyone despite them not being in the intended target audience.

[@mellophonium1]

The look that Sam gives the camera at 14:07 is priceless

[@Sweetestsadist]

Great list, but this game needs to be added: Argue! Am I the only person that owns this game? (only 32 ratings on BGG). It does everything a party game is supposed to do: It induces laughter, inspires creativity, and lowers inhibitions. How this game is not continually hitting top lists is mind-blowing. Players are given a topic to have Lincoln-Douglas debates over and must argue for the side assigned for them. Then everyone votes on who won and whether the arguers agreed with their side.

[@TheProteanGeek]

Must say looking back at these older lists I certainly enjoy the new method more. Perhaps some of these should be redone sooner than you usually would.

[@SamHealey6]

That's part of the fun...coming up with movies that at least some of the others in the group are going to know about and agree with you. It isn't a game to flaunt your obscure film knowledge...you've got to play to the crowd. But to each his own...it won't be for everybody. I really enjoyed it, though.

[@Beckikaze]

Woohooo. The next episode could be awesome!

[@BlimpMcGee]

Looking forward to the next one guys

[@Ja2Faktiskt]

Please do what Tom suggests at 10:47. Make a top 10 strange stories including gaming… :-)

[@ayahoo16]

wits and wagers is my family's favorite balderdash game you have to finish obscure proverbs we play it every year over the holidays and on camping trips in the summer

[@Decateron]

Resistance: Avalon especially. It takes the best elements of Werewolf and scraps the rest. The only problem is that it doesn't support as many people I suppose, but I think that it is a good trade off considering you don't have people dead for 2 hours in games with over 10 people.

[@thefeistyone7178]

Really glad to see Faces on this list. I love that game!

[@p4w3lr]

You are missing 2 (my favourite) party games: Taboo and Jungle Speed (tested many times, always works great :) ) They are very scalable and always easy to explain :)

[@Dsims37]

Every time Tom talks about Beyond Balderdash I want to let him know that the newest version cut out the dates, added silly laws, and dropped the 'Beyond' from the title. I have both the newest version and the Beyond version. Best party game with the right crowd.

[@ApesAmongUs]

It's identical to apples-to-apples, which was mentioned. There is no lacking of interaction in cards against humanity that isn't also present in ap/ap. They are the same game.

[@huntergonfreecs]

One of my best friends that I game with always seems grumpy. Like, every time we game. But he really enjoys himself. It's just his nature. I'd say Sam is the same way. Some people are just curmudgeonly.

[@LeedsSTL]

+1 Definitely #1 nowadays. Its been the mainstay at the last three ;arge parties I've been to.

[@MultiWarandpeace]

32:23 "Biggest laughs I've gotten in a long long time" Sam stares at the box almost angrily

[@QuinnReid]

I'm digging those sweet hair styles guys. Keep making these great vids!

[@missnataliepaige21]

You guys should check out the games Camera Roll and Exploding Kittens!! Very good

[@irishblend13]

+missnataliepaige Actually just recently discovered exploding kittens. Excellent suggestion. Wonder what other games you favor?

[@davidfoust4607]

1. Cards against humanity (adult version of apples to apples) 2. The Great Dalmuti (classic if you keep it in character) 3. Fluxx (any of the versions)

[@balzi76]

Sam talks alot about laughter with a straight face.. cheer up dude!!

[@Indubitably14]

True Romance was WRITTEN by Tarantino. It's close to what you asked for.

[@salmonblox]

I agree, but The Resistance is probably too "heady" for the type of games these guys were discussing. It definitely IS a party game (to me, anyway), but it requires more intense and prolonged mental stimulation than most of the games listed here. Sam brought up that point, in particular.

[@gmale9000]

You guys are like Id, ego and super-ego. Love it.

[@NoodleSoupNation]

I agree. Right around 30 minutes is really good for me, but I imagine even that is excessive for a lot of people.

[@Beckikaze]

It is not Sam`s genre and I find his opinion very interesting here! I don`t want to miss him in these series.

[@sokerbal]

I'm surprised Catchphrase didn't make the list. I guess it has that "I don't know who that is" factor in it. Plus, it has a hint of competitive edge. Other than that, lots of fun and laughs.

[@robbertsroost4745]

Need to update this in your new format where you each pick your own top-10 :D

[@ninajiron5488]

"Sam, what do you think?".."hmm" I love you Sam! I'm not super in love with party games either.

[@huntergonfreecs]

The Resistance (especially the Avalon version) should be on any party game list. I can understand Cards Against Humanity not working for your sensibilities, but leaving the Resistance off is an actual crime against humanity (see what I did there?).

[@jamesmcmillan6913]

TOP 10 strange stories of gaming! sounds fantastic do it!

[@Skarpo89]

Do a top ten party game list like you do now! With each one doing his own top ten!

[@Made_from_Scratch]

Balderdash is our goto party game with 6-8 people. You gotta have fairly quick witted or creative people though. Nothing is worse than sitting through Joe Schmoe's lame answer every turn and pretending it's good. What's worse is when someone votes for answers that are so obviously not close to being a good answer. Here is a hint on how to win -- always choose the most ridiculous answer thats well written. Most people will choose the category with the funniest or silliest answer/definition/movie.. etc. so always pick the most ridiculous answer and you're probably right.

[@Draffut2003]

werewolf elimination sucks, but it also plays far more and I've found a significant balance issue in resistance. They both have their better and worse aspects. But considering Tom was the only one who picked Werewolf and none of them picked Resistance, it;s a fair assessment that Tom personally prefers Werewolf. It' not like one was voted really high and the other was left out alltogether.

[@Copperhell144]

Sam was being a party pooper in this vid.

[@tsukune007]

a little know fact, the late Mark Goodson, loved charades

[@chrisdonovan8795]

What is a party game? It should support more than five players. It should encourage laughter, and it should be easy to learn and play.

[@scottzeigler1221]

I would love to see a top ten miniatures games....other than obvious games workshop titles. But non-party card games would be cool to see too.

[@ShylaRinoa]

It's 18 games since they talk about the games that didn't make the list. So, I enjoy it ... I like to hear why the games made the list rather then just be given a list so I know better if I'd enjoy the game ... But I do agree that I have to devote more time then I usually would on youtube to watch these episodes

[@LobieV]

Well, that's a matter of perspective. If you are playing the game with a group of close friends and you know all of you are just playing jokes and funny things that come up, the game is a lot of fun. They are just jokes, phrases, and words that are offensive out of context. The context is to make it fun in the game, people that aren't easily offended enjoy the game. It's not a "bad" game, it can get tiring; as can Apples to Apples, and other similar games. In all, it should be on the list.

[@GregKulevich]

Looks like a fun group to play games with. Does anyone in your cohort play Go?

[@Telmanar]

TI3 for the WIN. I love how die hard TI3 players are when it comes to that game. Once you go TI3everything else is just tic tac toe.

[@PolishAddict1985]

I like Munchkin, Cards Against Humanity, and the Game of Things

[@Aba19xx]

Dixit with just sounds is awesome :)

[@kitovras]

could you please make a top 10 for playing with 8+ players, not necessarily party games, just those that could be fun for a crowd of 8+ board game geeks ?

[@tallpunkmonk]

Yes! Even games for 10 + people, like Mascarade or Panic on Wallstreet. It seems like I'm always around a large number of people who want to play games together. I would rather show them something new, than Apples to Apples or Trivia Pursuit.

[@lukalamarche748]

what was the name of the game that you were explaining around 30:40 and 30:46 (beside Dixit)

[@lukeprior5646]

More of Tom telling zee and Sam what their opinion is or why they are wrong (if it Gary's to tom's opinion) zee and Sam, sooooo funny

[@ivindtobiasjorfald8133]

Please redo this :)

[@Teachermook]

could you do a list on deckbuilding games? Or ones on games with GOOD solo rules?

[@spiraldaddy]

Awesome guys - you couldn't pick a better 3 stooges to do game reviews - ha!

[@socalnick]

hmm. I would consider The Resistance a good party game. I say that a party game is defined as a game that can accommodate large groups (6+ players) that can easily be played by non-gamers.

[@jaceman4]

I find it kind of ironic there was a Monopoly commercial before this video. At least for me.

[@DeadInkPen41]

Thank you for not mentioning Cards against Humanity. Its refreshing to see that one left off a list. Seem to be its the game people go hey I know what a good game is...see I know CAH

[@TC_Capitalist]

Yes. I think they want the show to be more PG ;) But yes, i played Cards Against Humanity last night at Perkins with 5 other people. Amazing time.

[@daihideo]

Because some people may be uncomfortable with it and I understand that. Some people don't like the crude humor. I for one love it but it's not for everyone.

[@huntergonfreecs]

In the People's Choice Top 100 Games of All Time for 2012, CAH came in somewhere in the 80s or 90s. Tom and Zee - who were hosting the list segments - were NOT amused. They both were shocked and couldn't figure out why people would like such an inappropriate game...Tom said something to the effect of "shame on all of you". I, for one, love it and have all the expansions. Tom loves Apples to Apples, but after playing CAH I find that game to be incredibly dull and uninteresting.

[@marksoccer100]

I love the top 10 videos

[@SimpleCam13]

I agree with Zee about times up. I don't like games that can punish you because you don't know who some one is, what a movie is about and about song/music etc... and he is right too, wits and wagers does this much because you can at least make an educated guess since all the answers are numbers, and also if your guess is way off you can at least bet on the one you think is right. Don't get me wrong, times up can be fun... just not top ten fun for me :P great list otherwise and I would be interested to see this list now with the new party games that are out now.

[@jcb3393]

+Cameron Cooper The public domain version of "Time's Up" is called "Famous People" or "Celebrities", and it is really fun with a group of friends who are all familiar with each other (and know each others' likes, dislikes, etc. because you all get to write your own entries into the hat. One that I love to throw into the mix of "celebrities" is: Zamfir. Always great for precisely the reason Zee doesn't like it - it's hilarious when some people know who it is, but one or two people know it (especially if they are on opposite teams).

[@SamHealey6]

I would say that I am possibly that way with party games, but I don't think I'm that way all the time.