Game InformationGame: Rick and Morty: Total Rickall Card Game |
They said playing Rick and Morty: Total Rickall Card Game would take the edge off of group game playing, but now I am not so sure. With action cards pulled in close and hidden, I peer nervously across the table at my so-called friends. What’s real anymore? Are these people actually on my side, or have I been played this entire game? I glance down at the identity cards of the player to my right, certain he’s been a parasite killing characters off this whole time. I shuffle two cards between my finger tips now, a Beth and a Jerry, and I think through my next move. Should I lay down the Beth card, annihilating my opponent and putting the outcome of the game in jeopardy? Or should I put down the Jerry, mixing everyone’s identity cards and starting the search from scratch? I make eye contact with my opponent and I know in an instant what I must do. You’re going down, Joe.
Game Overview
In Rick and Morty: Total Rickall Card Game, there are two modes of game play. In the standard mode, 2-5 players have real identities, and play cooperatively with the other players. Characters are set out on the table with identities hidden underneath them. In each round, players put down action cards to determine whether a character in the center will be killed, switched, or viewed. The objective of the game is to kill all of the hidden parasites, and leave the real ones untouched. If you reach the end of the game having killed all of the parasites, the group collectively wins. But, if you killed more than three real characters, you all collectively lose.
For those that need their competitive thirst quenched, the advance mode offers hidden roles for 3-5 players. Unlike in standard mode where all players are real, advance leaves it to chance, making it a possibility that your neighbor could be a parasite. All of a sudden, it’s a fight against good and evil, and any character on the table is fair game. Real versus parasite. It’s no longer a cooperative effort, but a manipulative, strategic game of wit and word play to convince other players you’re on their side. Though the advanced game often ends much the same as standard mode, the parasites can sometimes take the win for themselves if they are able to lie efficiently. Can you be cunning enough?
Gameplay
Standard Mode
In setting up Rick and Morty: Total Rickall Card Game, place a number of identity cards face down in the middle of the table that equals to twice the number of players in the game. Then, place a character card face up on top of each identity card. Each player is real, and does not receive an identity or character card.
This game is played in rounds. At the start of each round, each player places one of the three action cards from their hand face down in front of them, drawing another one immediately to replace it. After everyone has placed an action card on the table and drawn a new one, everyone must turn their card over simultaneously and resolve them one at a time. This should be done in a clockwise order, starting with the player who has the First Person Token.
During the round, action cards allow you to interact with the cards in play, and lead the team to victory. For example, a Morty action card gives you the ability to peak at the identity of a character card in play. This allows you to identify which characters are real or parasitic, making it easier to eliminate them. Whereas, a Beth action card allows you to shoot a character. This can get tricky when you only have Beth cards, but haven’t viewed the identities in play yet. Players work cooperatively and discuss moves as they are being made to reach a common goal.
At the end of the round, each player discards the action card in front of them. The person with the First Player Token passes the piece to the player on their left. The round is over, and a new round can begin. If after the round the team has eliminated an entire row of identities and characters, replace it with new sets. Once you run out of character cards, the game enters it’s final round and ends.
Advanced Mode
The dealer removes four real and two parasite identity cards from the deck, shuffles them, and distributes them face down to each player. Then, each player receives a character card, face up on top of their identity card. Just like the cards in play in the center of the table, each players cards are also in play and can be affected by action cards.
Though moves are made cooperatively in standard mode, it is not required in advance mode. Deceit and lying is encouraged to unhinge other players, manipulate actions, and cause confusion. Playing the field in this manner can coerce other players to accidentally reveal their identity and ensure everyone wins the game.
Who Will Enjoy This Game?
If you’re a big Rick and Morty fan.
The immediate, most obvious answer is that a true Rick and Morty fan will enjoy this game. Total Rickall is one of the most popular episodes thus far on Rick and Morty, and fans will be excited to be a part of this world saving adventure. With such memorable characters as Tinkles, Mr. Poopybutthole, and Amish Cyborg, such creativity and chaos made for a great show and an even better game.
If you like playing card games with your family.
It’s not just the fans that will get a kick out of it. Rick and Morty: Total Rickall Card Game is not as vulgar or mature as you would expect it to be. With minimal to no bad language, bright graphics, and multiple layers of play-ability, this game will satisfy the whole family, especially if you have pre-teens and teenagers.
If you like games that don’t end quickly.
In either mode, Total Rickall is meant to last for a while. This game requires thought, snooping, and strategy. You may not enjoy playing if you are hoping it’ll be over in a flash. This game could go on for 30 minutes or more if you play it correctly, so except to be in it for the long haul.
Similar Games
If you enjoy the fast-paced, multidimensional aspect of this game, Fluxx should be your next purchase. Though it is not cooperative like this Rick and Morty inspired creation, it has similar elements, such as altering conditions, interesting action cards, and competitive gameplay, that will keep you coming back for more rounds. Plus, Fluxx has partnered with other franchises to create themed versions of their game, such as Batman, Adventure Time, Firefly, and Monty Python, to appeal to every type of fandom. Though the original game is fun on its own, these variations definitely take it above and beyond.
Other Reviews
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