Overview
Created in 1999 by Matt Kirby, Apples to Apples has become a classic party game that many families have kept in their game closets for years. The gameplay is simple and easy to learn, which may be exactly why it has stood the test of time. So what should parents know about it? We break it all down in our review.
First, a quick overview. The basic idea is for players to match nouns (“apples”) with descriptive words (“adjectives”) that they think best fit. One player acts as the judge each round and chooses the pairing they find funniest, most clever, or most accurate. For example, if the adjective is “Cute,” then everyone would submit a card they think represents “cute” the best. Then, the judge gets to pick their favorite.
Harmful Content ❗️
Apples to Apples doesn’t have any inappropriate content that parents need to be concerned about. The content of the cards is a variety of random things, but all of it is kid-appropriate. Some of the cards may have references to things that young kids may not understand. For example, some cards reference old movie stars or historical events. Young kids may have a tough time playing if they don’t know these references.
Parents will also want to know that there are tons of versions of Apples to Apples. The standard/party edition is for ages 12 and up. There’s also a child edition for even younger kids, around ages 7 and up. Just be sure to avoid the grown-up edition for 18 and up — this definitely contains mature and adult content.
Language
The game itself has no profanity or adult language.
Sex
Apples to Apples doesn’t have any sexual content.
Violence
There is no violence in Apples to Apples.
Positive Value 💫
This game is simple, fun, and an easy way to get a big group involved in one game. It’s not a game that requires a lot of skill, but that’s what makes it inclusive and just good entertainment. It’s less about strategic thinking and more about testing how well you know each other’s sense of humor.
So, should my kid play it?
We say yes! The recommended age for this game is 12 and up, but overall, it’s a low-risk game that the whole family can enjoy.
