I’ll admit it—I was skeptical about Exploding Kittens at first. I’d heard the hype, seen the absurd artwork of cats wreaking havoc, and even read about the game’s record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. But could a game built around drawing a single explosive cat card really be that fun? The answer, as I quickly discovered, is a resounding yes.

First Impressions

When I cracked open the box, I was greeted by a deck of beautifully illustrated, hilariously absurd cards featuring everything from a “Tacocat” to a “Hairy Potato Cat.” The artwork alone had me grinning before we even started playing. But the real charm of Exploding Kittens isn’t just in its visuals—it’s in its gameplay.

How It Works

The rules are deceptively simple. Players take turns drawing from the deck, hoping to avoid an Exploding Kitten card. If you draw one and don’t have a Defuse card (which features ridiculous ways to neutralize the kitten, like laser pointers and belly rubs), you’re out of the game. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, here’s where the strategy kicks in.

The deck is loaded with action cards that let you peek at the top of the pile, shuffle the deck, or force another player to take extra turns (which, trust me, makes enemies fast). It quickly turns into a game of bluffing, misdirection, and calculated risks. I found myself second-guessing every move, reading my friends’ faces like I was in the middle of a high-stakes poker game.

The Chaos Begins

Our first game was a rollercoaster. One of my friends played a See the Future card, peeked at the deck, and immediately burst out laughing. The rest of us knew someone was doomed—we just didn’t know who. That tension, that mix of luck and strategy, makes every turn exhilarating. And when you do explode? Well, at least you go out in a blaze of ridiculous, cat-fueled glory.

Verdict: 8/10 – A Must-Have for Game Night

Exploding Kittens is quick to learn, endlessly replayable, and wildly entertaining. It’s the perfect mix of luck, strategy, and sheer absurdity, making it a fantastic choice for adult game nights. Plus, if you’re feeling extra mischievous, there are expansion packs that ramp up the chaos even more.

If you love games that get everyone laughing, plotting, and (good-naturedly) backstabbing each other, Exploding Kittens is an absolute winner. Just watch out for that final, fateful draw—it might just be your doom.