Time’s Up! (1999) – Board Game Guys

Time’s Up!

“Time’s Up!” is a charades-based party game designed by Peter Sarrett and published by R&R Games, Inc., a Tampa, FL-based manufacturer of tabletop games and party games. The first edition of the game was published in 1999, with the most recent edition, “Time’s Up! Deluxe,” published in 2008. The game has been named Best Party Game by the Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, and Games magazine, and has won over 15 awards, including the Mensa Select award.

Why is Time’s Up! Popular?

“Time’s Up!” is a popular game because it is a fun and engaging charades-based party game that encourages teamwork and laughter among players. The game has been praised for its replayability and has become a staple at family gatherings and parties.

Game Components of Time’s Up!

Deck of Fame: A set of 40 randomly chosen name cards.

Player Teams: Teams of two or more players.

Game Rounds: Three main rounds with an optional fourth round for advanced play.

Clue Cards: Used for each round, with increasing restrictions on clue-giving.

How To Setup Time’s Up!

To set up Time’s Up!, each team needs to divide into Cluegivers and Guessers. The game begins with the Cluegiver drawing a name card from the Deck of Fame. Setup time is approximately 2 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Round 1: The Cluegiver can use any method (words, sound effects, charades) to give clues. The round ends when all names are guessed.

Round 2: The Cluegiver can only use one word per clue, followed by non-verbal clues. Teammates get one guess, and passing is allowed.

Round 3: The Cluegiver can only use sounds and charades. Teammates get one guess, and passing is allowed.

Optional Round 4: The Guesser starts with eyes closed while the Cluegiver freezes in a pose depicting the clue. The Guesser opens their eyes and must give one guess.

Objective: To guess as many names as possible within the time limit.

Player Experience

Time’s Up is a highly interactive and engaging game that encourages teamwork and creative thinking. Players use various skills such as general knowledge, memory, and acting to guess the names. The game is suitable for players aged 7 and up and is particularly enjoyable in multigenerational settings, fostering fun and lively discussions.

Pros

Highly Interactive: Encourages teamwork and creative clue-giving.

Multi-Age Appeal: Suitable for players aged 7 and up, making it a great family or party game.

Award-Winning: Won over 15 awards, including the Mensa Select award.

Variety of Rounds: Increasing difficulty in clue-giving keeps the game exciting and challenging.

Cons

Limited Clue-Giving in Later Rounds: The restriction to only sounds and charades in Round 3 can be challenging for some players.

Dependent on Team Cooperation: Success is heavily reliant on the team’s ability to communicate effectively.

Personal Thoughts on Time’s Up!

Time’s Up is perfect for those looking for a fun and engaging party game that appeals to all ages. It promotes teamwork, creative thinking, and general knowledge. This game is ideal for family gatherings, parties, or any setting where multigenerational interaction is desired. With its simple setup and engaging gameplay, Time’s Up ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

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