Monkey Business (2016) Board Game

Monkey Business is a party game released in 2016 by AURUM, Inc. It is designed by Julien Sentis and features artwork by Faya Khamidulina and Tony Rochon. The game is designed for 4-12 players, with the best experience being for 6-8 players. With a runtime of approximately 15 minutes, Monkey Business is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game falls under the category of party games and incorporates acting, hidden roles, and team-based game mechanics.

Game Components of Monkey Business

Colored cards: Each player gets a card with a list of 36 activities.

Dice: Used for determining the actions players must mimic.

Activity list: Includes actions like playing the violin, dancing the flamenco, or blowing kisses.

How To Setup Monkey Business

To set up the game, each player is dealt a colored card from a set of 12. These cards all have the same list of 36 possible activities. Players prepare to mimic the actions indicated on the cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mimicry Mechanics: Players must mimic the actions shown on the cards, except for one player who receives a different secret action.

Dice Rolling: Determines which activity players need to mimic.

Social Interaction: Players try to figure out who is performing the different action.

Objective: Identify the player with the secret action while mimicking the given activities correctly.

Player Experience

Playing Monkey Business is a fun and engaging experience, encouraging laughter and teamwork. Players must pay close attention to each other’s actions to identify the odd one out. The game fosters a lively atmosphere, making it suitable for gatherings and parties.

Pros

High Social Interaction: Promotes teamwork and observation.

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it accessible to new players.

Fun and Engaging: Encourages laughter and enjoyment.

Quick Games: Rounds are relatively short, allowing for multiple plays.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game may lack complexity for some players.

Repetitive Actions: Some players might find the activities repetitive.

Group Size Dependency: Best enjoyed with a larger group of players.

Personal Thoughts on Monkey Business

Monkey Business is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, social games that are perfect for parties or casual gatherings. It is particularly suited for groups looking to have fun without delving into complex game mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking deeper strategic gameplay.

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