The Jackbox Party Starter is like the cute little sibling of the Jackbox Party Pack series-filled with the same vibes but just slightly less chaotic. If you've ever thought about how fun it would be to scream at your friends while also reminding them who's the most creative (hint: it's not you), then welcome to the party. Actually, maybe don't scream; that might scare off the actual party-goers. Let's dive in.
This delightful pack includes three classic games: 'Quiplash 3,' 'Tee K.O.,' and 'Trivia Murder Party 2.' Yes, it's just three games, so if you're expecting the full buffet from the other packs, you might feel a bit cheated. But hey, what these games lack in quantity, they more than make up for it in chaotic fun. In 'Quiplash 3', you'll be answering prompts hoping your humor lands like a perfectly tossed pizza. Is it absurd? Yes. Is it glorious? Absolutely. "What's the worst thing to find in an Oreo?" This is just a glimpse of the gems you can expect. Moving on, 'Tee K.O.' lets you draw creations that can later be printed onto a t-shirt. Presumably, you'll be under the impression that your artistic prowess is worthy of being worn outside, which could end horrifically, but hey, it makes for a cool story! Lastly, 'Trivia Murder Party 2' is your chance to die repeatedly in the most amusing ways possible, all while answering trivia questions. Who knew social interactions could carry such dire consequences? You'll answer questions only to realize you've been rendered a ghost right before your friends answer, leaving you to haunt them indefinitely. Overall, it's multiplayer-focused, featuring both local and remote play options. Just one person needs to own the game, while everyone else can join via web browsers. Even your Aunt Mildred can join in from across the country, all while you remind her of that time she mistook a pineapple for a cantaloupe.
The graphics have all the charm of animated sketches made by an eclectic group of high school art students. And you know what? It's perfect for what it is. The visuals are colorful and eccentric, matching the quirky tone of each game impeccably. You won't find hyper-realistic graphics here that make you ponder the meaning of life, but you'll definitely chuckle at its laid-back comedic style. I mean, who doesn't want to play a game where you depict a pancake stealing a rocket ship?
The Jackbox Party Starter is a fantastic pick for anyone looking to inject a little chaos into their gatherings without overwhelming their guests. With three games that balance humor, creativity, and just the right amount of absurdity, it's a great way to help friends pretend they don't have more important things to do in their lives. Whether you're gathering physically or remotely, this pack is a sure-fire way to entertain everyone, even if it means they'll be questioning why they willingly joined the festivities. For parties where laughter is the only requirement, you can consider this a solid addition to your collection-just remember to keep an eye out for that nasty trivia monster lurking around.