Apples to Apples: Bible Edition

Reviewer Reviewed On Publisher Designer Published In Rating
June 18, 2007 Cactus Games / Out of the Box Publishing Rob Anderson 2006 8
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    It’s no secret that I think that Apples to Apples is quite possibly the greatest party game ever designed.  It’s probably not my favorite; and while I’ll often pick other games over it, there is no denying the draw and sheer popularity of the original game.  Everywhere I go I often meet people who ask me (when they hear that I’m fairly interested in board games) if I’ve ever heard of Apples to Apples.  It’s one of the best games that I’ve introduced in church settings, and so a Biblical version seemed only natural.

    Apples to Apples: Bible Edition (Cactus Game Design, 2006 – Rob Anderson) was exactly what I thought it would be – a variation on Apples to Apples specifically marketed to the church crowd.  If you’re interested in my thoughts on Apples to Apples proper (and thus, the basic game play of this game), check out my review of that game – in this, I’ll briefly mention the differences.

    The game comes in a large box with two plastic trays that hold the 576 cards easily.  The red apple cards list a variety of objects, with a Bible verse printed where the description normally is.  The cards include a variety of objects found throughout Scriptures, such as idols, a banquet, leprosy, rabbis, the Star at Bethlehem, prayer, fallow ground, and Passover.  Biblical ideas such as “to be blessed”, “calming a storm”, and “sleeping in a manger” are included, as well as famous people, from David and Sampson to Nicholas Copernicus and St. Patrick.  Most of the green cards contain adjectives that could be found in any of the games, such as disgusting, expensive, and strange; but a few probably only work in the religious setting – such as virtuous, righteous, and full of grace.

    On its own, the game works fairly well, and I’ve tested it out specifically with church groups to see their reaction.  I was initially afraid that the more solemn theme would cause some of the silliness inherent in Apples to Apples to dissipate, but it appears that’s not the case.  The game was just as fun and silly as the main game.  One possible problem that I do find is that there is the possibility of sacrilege or blasphemy occurring, and the amount or extent will certainly depend on the sensibilities of those you are playing with.

    The game also mixes with the other Apples to Apples games, although I’m thinking that it’s best kept as a separate entity - there’s enough variety to keep people interested, and mixing may cause some odd pairings.  Funny references to church and preaching/teaching will often occur, with many “inside” jokes occurring.

    So my recommendation is clear – if you want to use a wonderful party game in a church or youth group setting, then Apples to Apples: Bible Edition is certainly one of the best choices you can make.  For those who want to make the Ultimate Apples to Apples game, then this will also be a necessary choice.  Others, however, may want to pass, as there is nothing different about this game than other version, except the content on the card.  But if that content gets more people into playing games – then hooray!~

Tom Vasel
“Real men play board games”
www.dicetower.com