Barking Kittens Expansion Review: Is It Worth Adding to Your Game Night?

If you're a fan of Exploding Kittens, you've likely heard of the Barking Kittens expansion. This highly anticipated addition brings new mechanics, cards, and a lot of chaos to the table. But is it worth adding to your collection? In this review, we'll dive deep into the expansion, exploring its gameplay, new cards, and overall value.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the Exploding Kittens universe, understanding what Barking Kittens brings to the table is crucial. We'll break down the pros, cons, and everything in between, so you can decide if this expansion deserves a spot in your game night rotation.

What is Barking Kittens?

Barking Kittens is the third expansion for the wildly popular card game Exploding Kittens. It introduces a new deck of cards that can be shuffled into the base game, adding fresh strategies and unpredictable moments. The expansion is designed to be played with the original Exploding Kittens or the Party Edition, and it supports 2-5 players (with additional players possible if you have the Party Edition).

The expansion focuses on the introduction of 'Bark' cards, which allow players to steal cards from opponents' hands, and 'Reverse' cards, which change the direction of play. These new mechanics add a layer of tactical depth that can turn the tide of a game in an instant. Additionally, Barking Kittens includes a new 'Implant' card that lets you secretly plant a card in another player's deck, setting up potentially explosive surprises.

• Adds 20 new cards to the base game
• Introduces Bark, Reverse, and Implant mechanics
• Compatible with Exploding Kittens and Party Edition

Gameplay: How Does It Change the Game?

Barking Kittens significantly alters the flow of the game. The Bark cards, for instance, allow you to take a card from another player's hand at random. This can be used to steal a Defuse card or even an Exploding Kitten, giving you a strategic advantage. The Reverse cards, on the other hand, change the order of play, which can be used to dodge an Exploding Kitten or force an opponent to draw one.

The Implant card is perhaps the most intriguing addition. It allows you to take a card from the draw pile, look at it, and then place it back anywhere in the pile. This means you can set up a trap for an opponent, or even save a good card for yourself. This adds a layer of psychological gameplay, as players will be constantly second-guessing what's coming next.

These new mechanics make the game more dynamic and engaging, especially for players who have mastered the base game. The expansion encourages more interaction between players, as you'll be constantly watching each other's hands and trying to predict moves. It's a welcome change that breathes new life into the game.

• Bark cards allow stealing from opponents
• Reverse cards change play direction
• Implant cards let you manipulate the draw pile

New Cards and Components

Barking Kittens comes with 20 new cards, each with unique artwork and abilities. The expansion includes cards like the 'Barking Kitten' itself, which acts as a special Exploding Kitten that can be defused with a 'Bark' card instead of a Defuse card. There's also the 'Feral Cat' card, which can be used as any basic card, adding flexibility to your hand.

The components are of the same high quality as the original game. The cards are sturdy and the artwork is as quirky and hilarious as ever. The expansion also includes a new rulebook that clearly explains the new mechanics, making it easy to integrate into your existing game. If you're a collector, the packaging is also visually appealing, fitting nicely alongside your other Exploding Kittens products.

For those looking to expand their collection further, consider pairing Barking Kittens with other expansions or standalone games. For instance, the Ultimate Strategy Bundle offers a comprehensive set of cards that can be combined with Barking Kittens for an even more complex game. Alternatively, if you're looking for a different puzzle experience, The Creation of Cat (1000 Piece Puzzle) provides a fun and challenging activity for cat lovers.

• 20 new cards with unique abilities
• High-quality cardstock and artwork
• Compatible with other Exploding Kittens expansions

Pros and Cons

Like any expansion, Barking Kittens has its strengths and weaknesses. On the plus side, it adds significant replay value to the base game. The new mechanics are easy to learn but offer depth for strategic play. The cards are well-designed and the humor is on-brand, making it a hit with fans of the series.

On the downside, the expansion requires the base game to play, so it's not a standalone purchase. Additionally, some players might find the Implant card a bit too chaotic, as it can lead to unpredictable and sometimes frustrating outcomes. However, for most players, this adds to the fun rather than detracting from it.

If you're on the fence, consider trying out other Exploding Kittens products first. For example, Happy Salmon is a fast-paced party game that's great for larger groups, while Exploding Kittens: Recipes for Disaster offers a new twist on the original. These can give you a sense of the brand's style and quality before committing to an expansion.

• Pros: Adds depth, high replay value, humorous
• Cons: Requires base game, can be chaotic
• Consider trying other games first if unsure

In conclusion, Barking Kittens is a fantastic expansion that enhances the Exploding Kittens experience. Its new mechanics are innovative and fun, and it offers plenty of replay value. If you're a fan of the base game and looking to add more excitement to your game nights, this expansion is definitely worth the investment. For those who want to explore more, check out the Ultimate Strategy Bundle for an even bigger challenge.