Scattergories
$16.99
Scattergories at a Glance
| Game Type Dice Rolling, Word, Pencil & Paper | Play Time 30 mins | Skill/Complexity (1.5 - 5) Light |
| Age 12+ | Publisher(s) Hasbro | Published 1988 |
| Categories Family / Party / Word Game | Players 2 - 6 | Rules Manual Official Rules PDF |
| Our Rating 6.5/10 | Cost $16.99 |
About – Description
Scattergories is a game that is based on creative thinking and was released in 1988 by Parker Brothers.
The game is suitable for players aged 12 and over and can be played by up to 6 players with a playing time of 30 minutes.
Based on the success of the game, a TV version was released in 1993 in the USA.
Who’s it best suited for?
This creative thinking game is suitable for parties due to the way in which it brings players together to play rounds where they earn points.
It’s a game that challenges players to guess and think outside of the box in order to earn points and so, it can inject excitement to any party.
Skill – Complexity
The game is not considered to be complex, with the idea behind the game being relatively simple. It is a game that requires players to roll dice and then make lists that are associated with certain categories…..
They will require a certain knowledge of items relating to that category but in general, it’s a simple game to play and learn.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
To begin, each player is given an answering pad and three category cards with one player rolling the 20 sided die to determine which letter will be played first, then the time is set for three minutes. Each card contains 4 lists and in each list, there are 12 unique categories. After agreeing which list they will be playing from, they then begin to think of items that belong in the category. An example would be a Fruit Category where players have to think of items beginning with the letter B such as Banana or Blueberry.
Once the timer has finished, players stop writing and then players read out their answer for each. If other players share the same answer then they receive 0 points but if they have an answer that no other player has, they receive 1 point.
The game plays for three rounds before the person with the highest number of points becomes the winner.
Versions – Editions
Scattegories has been released in a number of countries with a Red Box Edition being released. In 1989, a Scattegories refill pack was released offering more categories and lists.
Likes & Dislikes
The simplicity of this game is why it is favored by many while the speed of the game makes it exciting at the same time.
Players like how it brings people together and the pressure of having to think of words adds to the excitement of the game. Some players found that the game could become tiresome after a while as the idea can wear thin but in general, it’s a game that is embraced by many.
Final Thoughts
This quick thinking party game is perfect for bringing people together for a short burst of fun and excitement.
The way in which the game plays means that it can be set up in seconds and players can be competing in just a few minutes. It always gets a laugh and certainly tests the wits and quick thinking of players, even if some find that it can become a little boring after a while.
