Buying guide for best cranium games
It’s hard to find a game that pleases everyone or, more importantly, offers everyone a chance to shine. This is precisely why Cranium was created. It’s a game that allows everyone to have fun whether you excel at artistic endeavors, performing, word puzzles, or trivia.
It's been over 20 years since the game was created, and there are numerous variations based on the original. Some games are focused more on pop culture references that only adults will catch; other games have children or families in mind. In addition, some Cranium games can be mixed with expansion packs to add variety and keep you playing for years.
No matter who’s playing and what their skills are, there’s likely a Cranium game for your group. To learn more about Cranium games, continue reading our buying guide.
Considerations
Most Cranium games are board games designed for a crowd and can be played casually or competitively.
Purchasing the best Cranium game for you and your family means finding one that is age-appropriate, incorporates gameplay that everyone can enjoy, and features a focus that interests your group.
Age level
Unlike some adult board games, the age range of Cranium games doesn't indicate off-color, raunchy gameplay. Instead, it references the difficulty level and themes of the game.
Cranium games designed for younger children may not even require reading, so these games may quickly become boring for older players. However, they’re great for playing with your kids and teaching them about creativity and expression.
Conversely, Cranium games designed for adults may feature references that are unfamiliar to a smaller child, making it challenging for them to join in.
Before purchasing a Cranium game, always check the age range it was designed to engage so you know whether it will be a good fit for your friends or family.
"The privately held Cranium, Inc. was purchased by Hasbro for roughly $77.5 million in 2008."
STAFF
BestReviews
Gameplay
Cranium was originally designed so that every player could experience a heroic moment, no matter what his or her particular strength was. However, not all Cranium games are perfect for every player.
As the games have diversified over the years, some Cranium games rely more heavily on luck while others test players’ knowledge in specific areas.
Before purchasing a Cranium game, make sure you know the type of gameplay that is involved to find a game that will appeal to you and your group.
Theme
Some Cranium editions have a specific theme or focus. For example, the Disney edition of Cranium focuses on players’ knowledge of Disney movies and shows. Other Cranium games focus on pop culture in general.
If your group has common interests and would enjoy playing a Cranium game with a more specific theme, these games are worth looking into.
Did you know?
The artistic designer for Cranium is Gary Baseman, the creator of the Emmy-winning ABC/Disney cartoon series Teacher's Pet, which is about a dog who wants to be a boy.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
Expansion packs
Expansion packs or booster boxes are for the person who already owns a Cranium game and wants to infuse new life into that game. These booster boxes may come with as many as 800 new cards, which dramatically increase the fun level by making the gameplay fresh and new again. If you hope to play your Cranium game for years to come, take note of whether expansion packs are available.
Travel editions
If you want to take along some fun on a family vacation or a weekend getaway, a travel edition is a great idea. Since these games are designed to be portable, they feature smaller components and reduced type size.
Cranium game prices
Most Cranium games are available for as low as $10 to $15 and offer plenty of content and high-quality components. However, deluxe editions cost between $25 and $40 and offer significantly more content.
FAQ
Q. Who created Cranium?
A. Reflecting on a Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument thinking styles assessment that they completed at Microsoft, Richard Tait and Whit Alexander decided to create a game that offered everyone a chance to be victorious, no matter what inherent skills or thinking style they had.
Q. Is any of the content in Cranium games dated?
A. There are some references to pop culture that may pose challenges for younger players, and as time goes by, it’s hard to say how the references in Cranium games will age. However, expansion packs can bring Cranium games u -to speed.
Q. What makes Cranium games different?
A.The original Cranium game didn't focus on one specific area. It wasn't solely about the luck of the draw, accumulated knowledge, creativity, or fast thinking. Instead, the original Cranium game combined all of these challenges into one fun competition that could give anyone a momentary advantage. Other Cranium games explore these skills in a variety of ways, though they are not all as diverse as the original Cranium in their gameplay.
