In A Pickle
Game Summary: Try to win a set of cards by fitting smaller things into bigger things. The soap goes in the shower, which is in the house, which is in Detroit. Play the 4th word card and you win the set, unless another player can trump you with a larger word. The player with the most sets at the end if the big winner.
Price Range: $10
Age Range: 10+
No. of Players: 2-6
Time to Learn: 5 minutes
Time to Setup: 5 minutes
Reading Skills Needed: YES
Playtime: 20-30 minutes
Game Rating:: **
Game Review: In A Pickle is a card game with a twist -- each card has a noun on it. Using the cards in your hand, your goal is to place one of your cards on a pile so that the word on it fits either inside, or is larger than, the top card. I am drawn to games that seem to have a simple premise and the possibility of some actual mental stimulation or even educational value, especially if I am going to be playing them with my children. Well, In A Pickle would certainly qualify, except -- unfortunately, in some ways it is TOO mentally taxing. In playing this game, we found we were all constantly questioning whether the items were going up in size, or inside the card on top, and if so, which direction did the arrows go, and did the card go on top or below...???? It was very confusing! The game has a lot of potential for interaction and humorous verbal exchanges, but somehow when we played, there were constant challenges of other players' card choices, with items often being "voted down" by the majority. Basically, it was incredibly frustrating. I am sorry to my children and I don't have much enthusiasm for playing this game again, but I do plan on trying it at least one or two more times to see if it improves with familiarity. If so, I will revise my review, but until then, I have to give this one a thumb's down!
