Its astounding to me that a game that is as popular as Taboo only has one review, which is why I decided to write this one. This is not they type of game I usually enjoy, but after playing, I feel it deserves more respect than it gets. Hopefully this review will shed some light on this fun party game.

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Taboo is called the game of unspeakable words. Its a very simple game, played by teams, in which one player tries to get their partner to guess a keyword without using any of 5 forbidden words as clues. As a party game, Taboo is infinitly expandable and can support a large number of players, making it a perfect party game. But does it deserve a spot on your shelf?


Rules

The rules of Taboo are very simple. As stated above, players form teams of 2 players. On a team's turn, one player is the cluegiver trying to get the other player to guess the key word. Each key word is listed on a card with 5 additional forbidden words which cannot be given as clues. If the team gets the key word, they score 1 point and may go on to another card. If they need to pass, or give a clue using a forbidden word or part of the key word, they lose a point. This is all done in about 60 seconds, timed by a sand timer. When time is up, the turn is over and points are scored.

Play will go around the table with each team getting a chance, followed by a second turn in which the team reverses roles. Once both players on all teams have been the clue giver and the guesser, the round is over.

The game can be played as long as players want. When the game is over, scores are totalled and the high scoring team is the winner.


Components

Taboo is really light on components, but it doesn't really need them. The main component are the cards which the game is based around. These cards are pretty small, about 1 1/2" by 2 1/2", similar in size to the original Ticket to Ride cards. These cards have the key word and the 5 forbidden words on them and are double sided. The game comes with a huge amount of cards ensuring large amounts of replayability. Even if you somehow manage to go through all the cards, its highly unlikely the same people will get the same cards, and even if they do, they can give different clues.

There is also a cardholder. Its made of plastic and can vary in color according to your version of the game. There is a storage area in the bottom to place some cards as well as a piece that flips up on which the current word card is placed. Its an interesting little tool that makes it easy to grab another card and place it where you can easily reference it.

The most fun component is the buzzer. Its a large red button that, when pushed, makes an annoying buzzer sound made familiar by gameshows. When one team is playing, another team watches the word card to make sure the current team doesn't use any forbidden words. If they do, the buzzer is pressed, indicating their loss of point. Its really funny to hear the buzzer constantly buzzing. Its not really necessary, but it adds a lot to the fun factor.


Gameplay

Gameplay is really quick in Taboo. A typical turn lasts about a minute, varying slightly according to the sand timer. During that time, the team keeps playing, trying to get as many right answers as possible. Thats really about it as far as turns go. There's no decision making because this is not a strategy game. Instead, players must rely on creativity and thinking outside the box.

The game can last as many turns as the players wish. There's no board and no definate time frame on the game, so it is very open ended. I would say its safe to keep playing as long as people are laughing and having fun.


Compare it to...

Taboo is most similar to the old gameshow Password. The premise was the same and I think its probably a safe bet to say it was the inspiration for Taboo.


Overall

Taboo is a terrific game for what it is, which is an ultra-light party game. Its in the same vein as Balderdash and other such games where the goal is as much to laugh and have fun as it is to win. There is no strategy or tactics and if you expect it, you are in the wrong place. This is a party game which is all about fun and getting people to interact. If thats your goal, then this is an ideal choice.

I can't really say enough about the buzzer and its impact on the fun factor. Usually, when someone messes up and says a forbidden word, they laugh or say something funny which is added to by the annoyingly humorous sound of the buzzer. Its one of those sounds you just need to experience to really understand how great it is.

Taboo is a great game to get strangers interacting and laughing. People need to be able to laugh at themselves somewhat because everyone else will. People will be laughing with each other and at each other and if someone can't take that, they probably shouldn't be out in public anyway.

I rate this game 7/10. Its not something I want to play often, but I certainly wouldn't turn down a game, provided we weren't going to be playing for hours. This game can definately outlive its fun, so knowing when to quit is the only real strategy. Still, its a lot of fun in small doses and if you find yourself looking for a fun party game, I would suggest this any time.