Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Imploding Kittens does exactly what an expansion should: adds variety without complicating the formula. If your family already enjoys Exploding Kittens, this is a no-brainer addition that freshens up the deck and lets one more person join the chaos.

That said, it's not reinventing anything. The base game's appeal—silly art, quick gameplay, and just enough strategy to keep things interesting—remains intact, with five new action types that add tactical wrinkles without overwhelming the simplicity. The imploding kitten mechanic is clever, and the ability to accommodate six players is genuinely useful for larger gatherings.

The player elimination aspect is the main friction point. Getting knocked out early in any game stings, but at least you're only sidelined for 10-15 minutes max. The high luck factor also means this won't scratch the itch for families wanting deeper strategy—it's a party game through and through.

Bottom line: solid expansion for existing fans, but remember you need the base game first. If you don't already own Exploding Kittens, start there.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-16, though families who already love Exploding Kittens will enjoy this regardless of age. The 7+ rating is spot-on—younger kids can handle the simple rules and silly humor, but by mid-teens most will have moved on to games with more strategic depth.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

A lighthearted, humorous expansion that keeps the silly tone of Exploding Kittens without meanness. The cartoonish kitten theme and absurdist humor create a fun, non-serious atmosphere. Player elimination can sting a bit, but the 15-minute playtime means nobody's stuck watching for long. The 'take that' mechanics encourage playful sabotage rather than genuine conflict.

Imaginative

72

Adds five new action types to the base game's already quirky card effects, expanding tactical possibilities in a push-your-luck framework. The imploding kitten concept is a clever twist on the exploding mechanic. Hand management and set collection require creative thinking about card combos. However, it's still fundamentally a party game with limited strategic depth (BGG weight 1.1) and relies heavily on the base game's established humor rather than breaking new ground.

Safe

88

Board games are inherently safe, and this one has no concerning content. The Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal) artwork is quirky and cartoonish without being inappropriate for the 7+ age rating. No gambling mechanics, no mature themes. Player elimination can create brief disappointment, but the short game length and casual tone prevent lasting bad feelings. The 'take that' mechanics are standard for party games and part of the fun. Amazon rating of 4.7 and 22K BGG community owners suggest broad acceptance.

Enriching

65

Teaches basic probability assessment, risk management, and hand management in an accessible package. Players learn to read opponents and make tactical decisions about when to play defensively versus offensively. The 15-minute playtime and simple rules (complexity 1.1) make it easy to jump in, encouraging social interaction and quick strategic thinking. However, the high luck factor and shallow strategy limit deeper skill development—this is more about fun than mastery. Good for teaching kids to handle loss gracefully given the elimination mechanic.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Extends the already-popular Exploding Kittens with 5 new action types and fresh tactical options
Quick 15-minute games mean kids can play multiple rounds without losing interest
Adds a 6th player slot, making it better for larger families or friend groups
The humor and absurdist art style (from The Oatmeal creator) keep things light and silly
Low complexity (1.1/5) means even younger kids can grasp the rules quickly

⚠

What to Watch For

This is NOT a standalone game—you must own Exploding Kittens (any version) to use this expansion
Player elimination means someone's getting knocked out early and sitting on the sidelines, though the short playtime softens the blow
Heavy luck factor means skill matters less—younger kids can beat older siblings, which is either great or frustrating depending on your family dynamic
The 'take that' mechanics encourage screwing over other players, so expect some playful (or not-so-playful) groaning

Conversation Starters

"Which card combo would you rather have—three of a kind or a defuse card? Why?"
"When you drew the imploding kitten, what was your strategy for dealing with it?"
"Is it better to play it safe and use your cards early, or hold them and risk getting exploded?"
"How does it feel when someone uses a card to mess up your turn? Is that part of the fun or just annoying?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Imploding Kittens? Put this WISE score on your site