Cloud 9

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Out of the Box’s games is their ability to work well with a group of people who rarely play games. I think that there are better party games than Apples to Apples, but it’s definitely the first game I’ll pull out when initiating a new group. Likewise, Fish eat Fish and Squint are games that are fun, short, and above all, simple to teach. Cloud Nine is yet another one of those games - outrageously fun with tremendously simplistic rules, yet with only a smidgen of strategy. When I first opened the box and saw the large plastic balloon basket piece, I knew immediately that I would enjoy the game. (This is shallow; I know, but striking components really do add to most folk’s enjoyment of the game.) The theme, jumping out of a balloon before it crashes, is tantamount to a game of “chicken”, and one that many people find exhilarating. The game is basically one of bluffing, where players attempt to ascertain the cards in opponent’s hands; but there are a few small memory and strategic elements. Pure, unadulterated fun exudes from Cloud 9, and it’s definitely on the short list of games that I will take with me to situations where there are groups of people who’ve never played many board games before. It’s a terrific introductory game and certainly has that “let’s play it again” feel to it. This game is a great deal, especially when comparing the tremendous components to its relatively inexpensive price. The game looks great, plays quickly, and is a lot of fun. No, it won’t win any awards for strategy; but when searching for a filler or a game to introduce the folks at the party I’m at to quality board games, this is one of my first choices.