The Big Taboo (2006) Board Game

The Big Taboo board game was released in 2006 and designed by Brian Hersch. It falls under the category of Action / Dexterity, Memory, Party Game, and Word Game. The game is designed for 4 players, aged 12 and above, and has a runtime of 30-60 minutes. The game is published by various companies including Hasbro, Hersch and Company, Parker Brothers, and Winning Moves Games (USA).

Game Components of The Big Taboo

Game board featuring a spiraling track

Pawns for team tracking

Clue cards with various keywords

Timer

“Bendy Bob,” a purple plush character for acting out clues

Drawing materials

Rulebook

How To Setup The Big Taboo

To set up The Big Taboo, players divide into two teams. Each team chooses a pawn and places it at the starting point on the spiraling track. The clue cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The timer and drawing materials are also made available. Setup typically takes about 5 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Oral tests: Players describe keywords without using certain forbidden words.

Mime: Players act out keywords.

Drawing: Players draw keywords.

Memory round: A brain-bending memory challenge.

Use of “Bendy Bob”: Acting out clues using the plush character.

Game Objective

The objective is for teams to guess as many keywords as possible within the allotted time. Each round, the team advances their pawn a number of spaces equal to the number of correctly guessed words. The game continues until one team reaches the last space on the track.

Player Experience

Playing The Big Taboo is a lively and engaging experience that tests a variety of skills, including language, creativity, and deduction. The game’s diverse mechanics keep players on their toes, as each round can involve a different method of clue-giving. This mix of activities ensures that no two rounds are the same, maintaining a high level of excitement and teamwork.

Pros

Variety of gameplay mechanics: Keeps the game fresh and interesting.

Encourages teamwork: Players must work together to guess keywords.

Improves creative thinking: Players need to be creative in describing or acting out clues.

Family-friendly: Suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Cons

Complex setup for some rounds: Different mechanics can be confusing at first.

Out of production: The game is no longer being manufactured, making it harder to find.

Dependent on creativity: Players who are less creative might find it challenging.

Personal Thoughts on The Big Taboo

The Big Taboo is ideal for those who love party games and are looking for something that combines different forms of communication and creativity. It’s a great choice for family gatherings, team-building events, or casual game nights with friends. However, due to its varied mechanics, it might not be the best fit for players who prefer simple, straightforward rules. Despite being out of production, The Big Taboo remains a unique and entertaining game that can add a lot of fun to any gaming session.

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