Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition

Cards Against Humanity made its name as a party game for grown-ups, which is what makes the Family Edition a surprise. It’s a whole new game written from scratch for, in the company’s words, mature kids and immature grown-ups to play together, and none of the original cards carry over.

The box holds 600 all-new cards, and the jokes run to toilets, toilet demons and Mom’s friend Donna, humor aimed at a table where kids and parents sit together. Cards Against Humanity says it tested the game with thousands of families over many years. It’s for four or more players, ages 8 and up, and the pitch is easy enough for kids, funny enough for adults. The last line of their own description is an apology that it’s not as fun as video games, which tells you a lot about the tone.

It suits a teen who likes being the funniest person in the room, and a family that wants a game night where nobody has to be good at strategy. The age range is wide enough that younger siblings can join in.

The catch: you need at least four people to play, and the box weighs 2.7 pounds, so it’s more of a game-night staple than something to toss in a backpack. A teen who has already played the adult version with friends may find this one tame.