Happy Salmon (2016) Board Game

Happy Salmon is a fast-paced, real-time party game that was released in 2016 by Exploding Kittens. It was designed by Ken Gruhl and Quentin Weir, with artwork by Linda DeSantis and Matthew Inman. The game has received positive reviews for its simple yet engaging gameplay that is suitable for players of all ages.

Game Components of Happy Salmon

Cards: The game includes multiple decks of 12 colored cards each, split evenly among four actions: High 5, Pound It (fish bump), Switcheroo, and Happy Salmon.

Packaging: The cards come in a unique, soft fish-shaped pouch that is easy to carry and durable.

Card Quality: The cards are smaller than standard playing cards, laminated, and designed to be sturdy enough to withstand the fast-paced gameplay.

How To Setup Happy Salmon

To set up the game, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding deck of 12 cards. Players then shuffle their decks and hold them face down. On the count of three, all players flip over their decks so the top card is face up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards.

Actions:

High 5: Players slap their hands together.

Pound It: Players give each other a fist bump.

Switcheroo: Players switch places or exchange their cards if switching places is not feasible.

Happy Salmon: Players slap each other’s forearms three or more times.

Matching: Players shout out the action on their top card and find another player with the same card to perform the action together.

Discarding: After performing the action, both players discard their cards, revealing the next card in their deck.

Player Experience

**Happy Salmon** is a highly interactive and physical game that gets players moving, shouting, and engaging with each other. The game is incredibly fast-paced, with rounds lasting less than two minutes. It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, including children as young as six, and does not require literacy. The game’s simplicity and silly actions make it an excellent ice breaker or a fun activity to get everyone involved and laughing.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game is simple to understand and can be learned instantly.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, including young children.

Portable: The game comes in a compact, durable fish-shaped pouch.

Quick Rounds: Games are very short, lasting about two minutes or less.

Encourages Physical Activity: Players are required to move around and perform actions.

Silent Version Available: For a different twist, players can use hand gestures instead of shouting out the actions.

Cons

Limited Strategy: The game is very fast-paced and relies more on luck than strategy.

Potential for Frustration: Younger players might get disappointed if they cannot find matches quickly.

Limited Appeal for Serious Groups: The game’s silly nature may not appeal to groups looking for more serious or complex gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Happy Salmon

**Happy Salmon** is an ideal game for families with younger children and for social gatherings where the goal is to have fun and break the ice. It excels in environments where players are willing to embrace the silliness and physical interaction. While it may not be the best fit for serious gaming groups, it is perfect for those looking for a light-hearted, energetic, and quick game to enjoy together.

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