WBG Score: ?
Player Count: 2
You’ll like this if you like: Whack-a-Mole!
Published by: Moose
This is a free review copy. See our review policy here.
You will notice I have not scored this game out of ten. I am unsure how you can! But I will do my best to give you a flavour for this so you can decide if this is for you or not with the below review. I did not score it as I am unsure how you can score a game like this. First, is this even a board game? Or more an activity or 'bit of fun'? Second, as it is so quick, games can be over in seconds, again, I am left unsure how to rate it when the experience can be over so quickly. And third, and most importantly, it really does depend on how I am feeling. Now I am not always in the mood for a four-hour game of Star Wars Rebellion, but I guarantee that even in the worst mood, if I start that, I love it. Here, I really do need to be in the right frame of mind to play. And as such, I am unsure how I can score a game I sometimes think is a 2/10 and other times think is a ten! So, with that said, let's get it to the table and see how it plays.
How To Set Up Pickleball Blast
Open the box and take out the pieces. The two sides will fit together using the two fasteners that can be attached to either end. The net will then attach to these fasteners and secure the two sides of the board together. It sounds tricky, but it really isn't, and the box has a picture diagram for this process on the inside. You will be ready to play in a few moments.
Each player now takes one of the two paddles, stands at the end of board matching their paddle colour, sets their three pickle jars to the lid side up, and ensure their score counter is at zero. You are now ready to begin!
How To Play Pickleball Blast
The youngest player will begin, and using the button on the paddle, they must flick the pickle that is on a counter-level weight to the other side. They are aiming to hit one of their opponents' three pickle jar lids to flip it over. They spin when hit and have two sides. If you can ever get two of the jars on your opponent's side to show a pickle face, then you have won that round. Score one point on the score tracker and reset the game. The first to score four points this way is the winner.
When you hit the pickle, it will move quite fast to the other side and sometimes bounce back. The pickle is weighted and as such, moves in a way you don't first expect. When you hit it, the rules are you must use the button on the paddle to flick the paddle into the pickle to make it fly over to the other side. But you will almost inevitably find that everyone, every time simply hits the pickle like a racket sport. It is against the rules, makes the pickle move way too fast for any type of control, but very hard to police!
Aiming the pickle is quite tough, but after a few games you will find that it is possible. However, a direct hit does not mean you flip the pickle jar the right way. It does mean it will spin, but what side it ends on, well, that is just down to chance. And of course, you could easily hit a jar you don't mean to, and flip a jar back to the wrong side. The game is frantic in this way, and without the right mindset, this will just be frustrating. With the right mindset, and you will be in hysterics.
When you start the game, the pickle needs to be served to the other side. To do this, you must use the button on the paddle. Remember, it can be hard to do at times, especially for your first few tries. But you will soon get the hang of it. If your serve does not reach the other side, then you lose the point. You can only hit the pickle when it is on your side of the court, and for a more competitive game, try to keep your paddle on the table at all times. Don't go chasing that pickle the moment it passes the halfway point!
Is It Fun? Pickleball Blast Party Game Review
Okay. Yes! This is fun. But like I say, only if you are in the right mindset. There are honestly sometimes when I have played this and found it to be tedious, lacking in any skill or strategy, and hated it. But other times, when in the right mood with my children, or with a few friends after a few drinks, it has caused a riot!
Does this mean I would recommend it? Well, I am very unsure. The box is quite big, and this will take up a fair amount of space. And for that space-to-game-time ratio, it is a tough one. Also, my wife hates it and thinks it looks ugly! So, if I do keep it, I need to find the right space!
When offered this game for review, I was unsure if I would say yes. Due to the above concerns, that I all thought may be the case before playing. However, I showed it to my children and asked them if they wanted to try it. They both said yes immediately. It just looks fun! And when it came, they immediately opened it, set it up, and played non-stop for hours. When set up, someone always approaches the game and wants to play. Games do not last long, as people's interest inevitably wanes pretty fast, but they always want to play. Now, the same could not be said for MANY other serious board games. As such, I can see this being a fun game to set up for parties where I leave it placed strategically on a table somewhere for people to just approach and play. I do that a lot and enjoy seeing organic games just start. House games I call them, and I do the same with Drop It, Chicken vs hotdog, and a few other such party games. This game works well for that sort of game night.
If you think this is for you, well, I will leave that to your own opinion. It is a hard game to review. But I hope the above information gave you enough details to make up your own mind. Have fun!
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