Time’s Up! (1999) Board Game

Time’s Up! is a party game that was first released in in 1999. It was designed by Peter Sarrett and published by R&R Games. The game has become a popular choice for game nights and gatherings due to its humorous and engaging gameplay.

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.

Cluegiving Tools: Words, sound effects, and charades.

How To Setup Time’s Up!

To set up Time’s Up!, players divide into teams and each team prepares to take turns. The setup time is approximately 2 minutes. The Deck of Fame is shuffled and distributed, and each team designates a Cluegiver for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Rounds: Three rounds with increasing clue restrictions.

Round 1: The Cluegiver can use any form of cluegiving (words, descriptions, singing, etc.) to help teammates guess as many names as possible.

Round 2: The Cluegiver can give only one word per clue, followed by non-verbal clues (sound effects, charades).

Round 3: The Cluegiver can only use sounds and charades for clues.

Optional Round 4: Advanced play where the Guesser starts with eyes closed, and the Cluegiver freezes in a pose depicting the clue.

Objective: Guess as many names as possible within the time limit.

Player Experience

Time’s Up is a fast-paced, interactive game that challenges players to think creatively and act quickly. The game categories include charades and party games, making it an engaging and entertaining experience for all participants. Players must use general knowledge, memory, and acting skills to succeed.

Pros

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

Highly Interactive: Encourages teamwork and creative thinking.

Flexible: Can be played with a wide range of ages (7 and up) and team sizes.

Variety: Includes multiple versions and expansions, such as Time’s Up: Title Recall.

Cons

Complexity in Later Rounds: The restrictions in rounds 2 and 3 can make the game challenging for some players.

Limited Chance for Quiet Players: The fast-paced nature might make it difficult for quieter or less confident players to participate fully.

Personal Thoughts on Time’s Up!

Time’s Up is an excellent choice for those looking for a lively and engaging party game. It’s ideal for gatherings, family events, or any setting where interaction and fun are paramount. The game’s ability to cater to a wide age range and its various expansions make it a versatile addition to any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for very young children or those who prefer quieter, less interactive games.

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