Side Effects (2017) Board Game

Side Effects is a card game released in 2017 by Pillbox Games. Designed by Jen Igartua, Jade Shames, and Kat Thek, the game is targeted towards mature/adult audiences and can accommodate 2–8 players. With a playtime of 10–30 minutes, Side Effects is known for its fast-paced and chaotic gameplay.

Game Components of Side Effects

Cards with various side effects

Instruction booklet

How To Setup Side Effects

Shuffle the deck of cards.

Deal a starting hand to each player.

Place the rest of the deck in the center of the playing area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Side Effects, players take turns playing cards with different side effects on themselves or other players. The objective is to be the first player to run out of cards. Players can strategically use cards to hinder their opponents’ progress or speed up their own.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick and easy to learn

Provides opportunities for strategic gameplay

Promotes social interaction and friendly competition

Cons:

Some cards may be confusing or difficult to interpret

Player elimination can occur early in the game, leading to downtime for those eliminated

Personal Thoughts on Side Effects

As a fan of party games, I found Side Effects to be an enjoyable addition to my collection. The build quality of the cards is sturdy, and the artwork by Ben Bronstein adds a fun and quirky element to the game. While the game falls under the mature/adult category, it can be a hit at gatherings with friends or family who enjoy a bit of chaos in their games.

In terms of pricing and availability, Side Effects can be found at various online retailers and specialty game stores, both new and used. For those who enjoy games like Exploding Kittens or Unstable Unicorns, Side Effects offers a similar level of unpredictability and laughter.

Overall, I believe Side Effects is worth your time if you’re looking for a light-hearted and fast-paced party game. It’s best suited for players who enjoy take-that mechanics and are looking for a game that can accommodate a larger group. However, if you prefer games with more strategic depth or minimal player elimination, Side Effects may not be the best fit for you.

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