Is Apples to Apples Appropriate for Kids?

Yes, the popular party game Apples to Apples is age-appropriate and fun for kids ages 7 and up, though parental guidance is still advised given its creative open-ended gameplay. I‘ll analyze its content, educational value, and similarities to adult games in this in-depth guide.

History and Background

Apples to Apples was created in 1999 by Out of the Box Publishing. The game play combines simple rules with fun social dynamics – players match noun cards to randomly chosen adjective cards, making for clever and hilarious comparisons.

As a long-time gaming enthusiast, I remember the instant popularity when Apples to Apples first hit the scene. The concept wasn‘t entirely new – it borrowed mechanics from games like Dictionary and Mad Libs. But the execution, from the whimsical apple artwork to the unpredictable card combinations, made Apples to Apples a sleepover and game night staple.

While sales figures aren‘t public for privately-held Out of the Box, by 2009 Apples to Apples was a runaway hit with over 4 million copies sold. It quickly became a top-ranked party game on BoardGameGeek. Its success continues today both online and with numerous expansion packs.

Appropriate Age Ratings

With its growing popularity, specially tailored versions of Apples to Apples emerged:

• Apples to Apples Junior (Ages 9+): Child-safe nouns and adjectives
• Apples to Apples Disney (Ages 7+): Disney-themed adjective cards
• Apples to Apples Party Box: Age 12+, core adult version

How do these age ratings compare for similar party games?

Apples to Apples contains no intentionally adult content. However, the creative open-ended gameplay means that players can construct inappropriate combinations if they choose. As a parent and long-time gamer, I feel ages 7+ is reasonable with active parental involvement.

Gameplay, Skills and Objective

The gameplay seems simple at first glance, but has compelling depth. Players draw 7 red noun cards, while one player flips over a green adjective card. Everyone selects the red card from their hand that they feel best matches the adjective. The judge rotates each round.

The judge subjectively picks their favorite match, and that player wins the round by getting the green card. After a set number of rounds, the player with the most green cards takes the game!

On the surface Apples seems like silly entertainment. But a few rounds shows impressive creativity and strategy emerging:

• Learning adjectives, nouns and descriptive phrases
• Understanding perspectives different than your own
• Convincing others through humor and wit
• Embracing unpredictability and thinking fast

These verbal skills apply equally to adults and children. Apples to Apples also brings people together. Unlike solitary digital games, it requires social interaction and teamwork.

Comparison to Cards Against Humanity

No party game analysis is complete without discussing the wildly popular – and controversial – Cards Against Humanity (CAH). As a gamer and parent, I‘ve played both extensively over the past decade.

Apples to Apples paved the way, but CAH quickly usurped it in fame after launching in 2011. Why? CAH actively courted controversy. Its cards feature dark, vulgar and intentionally shocking content – creating cringeworthy moments players seemed to crave.

Make no mistake – Apples to Apples draws mixed reactions too, but unintentionally. CAH made R-rated combos central to gameplay. Adults went wild, propelling it to massive popularity especially among college students and young professionals.

But CAH had nowhere to go from there. It didn‘t take long for fatigue around its shock content. Apples to Apples instead focused on creativity which gives it staying power across all ages.

My view is that CAH has a place for adult game nights. But it excludes children, parents, and many groups. Apples to Apples offers more versatile fun through family-friendly inclusiveness.

Popularity and Cultural Reach

Apples to Apples deserves respect for igniting a boom in party card games. As covered earlier, it sold over 4 million copies by 2009. Since then it has likely doubled or tripled that figure across all versions and expansions.

It also spawned many successor games borrowing its model like Red Flags, Disturbed Friends, Monikers and more. Even CAH adopted (and twisted) the Apples formula.

Apples to Apples also gets used in classrooms. Teachers employ it to build descriptive vocabulary and creative writing skills. Its flexible gameplay works well for ESL students.

More tellingly, it enjoys multigenerational appeal. Not many 20+ year old games stay popular with kids and parents alike. But Apples to Apples has proven versatility and lasting power across age groups.

Apples to Apples is an age-appropriate party game bringing family and friends together. Unlike adult-only games, Apples appeals broadly thanks to its playful creative spirit. I wholeheartedly endorse it for ages 7+ under parental guidance.

Let me know in the comments what topics you‘d like covered in my next gaming guide!