Donkey: It’s a Kick! (2011) Board Game

Donkey: It’s a Kick! is a fun and light-hearted party game designed by Cleveland Kids, LLC. It was released in 2011 and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game involves open drafting and set collection mechanics, making it a great choice for casual gamers looking for a quick and entertaining experience.

Game Components of Donkey: It’s a Kick!

Cards: A custom deck where 1s replace aces and jokers are wild.

Kicker Cards: Special cards that introduce unique challenges and rules for each round.

Pucks: Sturdy plastic disks used for the main gameplay mechanism.

Score Sheets: For tracking the letters “D-O-N-K-E-Y” earned by players.

Dealer: The player responsible for reading Kicker Cards and distributing cards.

How To Setup Donkey: It’s a Kick!

To set up the game, place one less puck in the middle of the table than there are players. Each player starts with a hand of four cards, and the dealer places the rest of the deck in front of them. The dealer reads aloud the instructions on the Kicker Card, which explains the challenge for the round, and then deals the playing cards accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draw cards from a shared pile and substitute them into their hand.

Set Collection: Players aim to collect four of a kind to grab a puck.

Kicker Challenges: Each round features a Kicker Card that introduces unique rules, such as physical challenges or specific card collections.

Objective: Be the last player not to spell out “DONKEY” on their score sheet.

Player Experience

**Donkey: It’s a Kick** is a wildly unpredictable game that keeps players on their toes. With each round featuring a new Kicker challenge, the game is full of thrills and distractions. Players must balance their focus on collecting the right cards with the chaos introduced by the Kicker Cards. Once a player earns all the letters in “DONKEY,” they become a “Donkey” and continue playing to disrupt other players, adding an extra layer of strategy and fun.

Pros

High Replayability: The variety of Kicker Cards ensures no two games are the same.

Interactive and Chaotic: Encourages player interaction and creates a lively atmosphere.

Quick Games: Typically lasts 45 minutes or less.

Flexible Player Count: Supports 3 to 8 players.

Cons

Components Quality: Some issues with the packaging and insert quality, though future reprints aim to improve this.

Learning Curve: The numerous Kicker challenges can be overwhelming for new players.

Score Keeping: Score sheets can be cumbersome, though scrap paper or memory can be used as alternatives.

Personal Thoughts on Donkey: It’s a Kick!

**Donkey: It’s a Kick** is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, unpredictable games filled with laughter and excitement. It’s perfect for families, college students, and anyone looking to spice up their game nights. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more strategic or calm gaming experience. The game’s unique blend of card drafting and set collection, coupled with the chaotic Kicker challenges, makes it a standout in the world of party games.

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