Shakin’ Sorry (1992) Board Game

Shakin’ Sorry is a classic children’s board game released in 1992 by Parker Brothers. It combines elements of the traditional Sorry game with a fun, dice-shaking twist. The game is designed for 2-4 players aged 6 and up, making it perfect for family game nights or gatherings with friends.

Game Components of Shakin’ Sorry

4 game boards

17 dice

1 blue die (with special actions like “Sorry!” and “slide”)

1 dice cup

Each player has four dice of their color.

How To Setup Shakin’ Sorry

To set up the game, each player takes a game board and places their four dice on the start section, turning them to their color. The blue die and the dice cup are placed in the middle of the table. The youngest player starts the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to get all four of your dice into your home section.

Turn Structure: Players take turns rolling the dice. Most faces on the blue die are blank, but it has two special actions: “Sorry!” and “slide”.

Sorry: Allows the current player to move one of another player’s dice from their home section to the current player’s start section.

Slide: Forces the current player to move one of their dice from their home section to the start section of the player to their left.

Rolling Dice: Players roll their dice and any additional dice that match their color rolled by other players.

Player Experience

Shakin’ Sorry is a quick game, typically lasting 5-10 minutes. It is designed for ages 6+, but the simplicity means younger children can also play as long as they do not put the dice in their mouth. The game relies heavily on luck, with minimal strategic decisions. The main decision point is when a player rolls the “Sorry!” symbol, allowing them to interfere with another player’s progress. However, these decisions are often straightforward, targeting the player in the lead.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are usually finished within 5-10 minutes.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to younger players.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to carry.

Fun Interaction: The “Sorry!” and “slide” actions add a fun element of interference and unpredictability.

Cons

Limited Strategy: The game relies heavily on luck with minimal strategic decisions.

Obvious Decisions: When decisions are required, they are often very obvious.

Luck-Dependent: Winning is largely based on rolling the best dice.

Personal Thoughts on Shakin’ Sorry

Shakin’ Sorry is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a quick, light-hearted game. It is not suited for players seeking complex strategy or deep gameplay. The game’s simplicity and short duration make it a great filler game or an introduction to board gaming for younger children. If you enjoyed the original Sorry and want a faster, more streamlined version, Shakin’ Sorry is a good choice. However, if you prefer games with more strategic depth, you might find this game lacking.

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