A game for those who seek to find a way to play a game and whine! This game is perfect for those who love to complain, or love sharing stories of silly mishaps and misfortunes. A chance to argue for who’s had it worse – and a holiday edition, at that! Do you love to hate on the holidays, bogus outdated traditions, awkward family gatherings, or the weather? Who doesn’t love a little light-hearted trauma bonding?
Whine Night – Holiday Whine Tasting
Publisher: Skybound Games
Price: $14.99
MonsterVine was provided with a copy of the game for review
Whine Night is the perfect game for crowds both large and small, and completely undaunting to pick up and begin a game wherever the night may take you. The rules are simple: each card has a quick question as a prompt. Each player draws three cards and picks their favorite prompt (whichever they feel the most burning need to complain about). For each card chosen, every player gets to share a short story or complaint, and at the end of the round, the best whiner wins!
This game is best played with at least 3 players, but the more the merrier (or whinier). My first play-through was with only two people, and we still had a blast sharing some unfortunate stories and learning more about each other. It definitely has a lot of potential as an icebreaker game at a party or family gathering. And as the wine flows, the whines inevitably get better. Bring your competitive a-game and your best (or worst) complaints!
Whine Night is an interesting take on the types of getting-to-know-you games that sometimes come across as disingenuous or saccharine. It is flexible in who can play – enjoy a family friendly complain-fest for everyone, or spice it up with raunchier tales of woe and add some drinking rules! The concept of ‘misery loves company’ applies incredibly well to this compact little game. It’s a great opportunity to get to know some silly holiday gems from your friends and family, while also providing the chance to complain about that sweater your mom got you last year that you will absolutely NEVER wear. The game doesn’t exclude any holidays from the fire, either. You’ll have the chance to rant against different holiday foods, mascots, mega corporations, music, traditions, gifts… But this game never crosses the line into downright mean or rude territory. The entire thing is light-hearted and offers a chance to bond and share silly misfortunes with loved ones. Since it is conceptually an uncomplicated game based on story-telling, it could easily be played hands-free, e.g. while preparing or cleaning up after a holiday meal (…another thing to complain about).
Do you enjoy one-upping your friends about the misfortunes in your life surrounding the holidays? Ever slipped on ice in the parking lot? Set a Christmas tree on fire accidentally? Absolutely hate a beloved Christmas classic? Have a holiday radio classic that drives you insane? This game is your time to shine as you bring on the whine. At the perfect price point, with its uncomplicated set of rules and pocket-sized container, this game would make an excellent stocking stuffer. It’s the perfect game to whip out for anywhere from 15 minutes of fun to as long as your complaints may go. Best enjoyed with some holiday cheer (aka wine).
The Final Word:
An easy-to-play game at any time, any place! Perfect for casual gaming situations with family or friends, or as an ice-breaker. Easily family friendly, but with the potential for raunchy story sharing. Bring on the belligerence as you try to one-up your friends with the best whining you can muster!
– MonsterVine Rating: 4 out of 5 – Good
