Editorial

What do you say to Killer Bunnies® critics about the random outcome of the game?

A response to a critic‘s five points

1. I dont like card games in which every card has instructions on how to use it. This always leads to arguments on how and when the card can be played.

   He says “I don't like...” It is really hard to argue against someone’s opinion, much like arguing that their favorite color can’t be blue. I completely respect this poster’s opinion.

   That being said, not every kind of game is for everyone. In computer games, some people like First Person Shooters (FPS), where you have the perspective of your character. Others like computer games like Myst, which is a puzzle game. Not for me, but that doesn’t make that opinion any less valid.

   “...card games in which every card has instructions on how to use it. This always leads to arguments on how and when the card can be played.”

   This is sort of like saying one prefers Checkers to Chess because each Chess piece has its “own rules” and how it can be used, while in Checkers, all of the pieces are the same and move the same. One of those games appeals to one group and the other game to another group.

   Killer Bunnies appeals to groups that include Rules Junkies, because you almost have to be one to play. That is also why we have the Quest Card Companion, to provide clarifications to those rules. Complex games require complex rules. Simple games do not. On New Year’s Day, we hosted a Killer Bunnies® party, with a table of Jupiter and two tables of Quest, and a fourth of Pente. Pente is a simple game (only about 5 rules and two courtesies) that can be quickly taught, but the complexity of play (not the rules) makes the game a blast.

2. The enormous luck factor took one of us completely out of the game from the word go. What fun is that?

   Again, “luck” appeals to a different group than those who want a deterministic (opposite of random) outcome. I have several friends who get very anxious when competing (they feel ‘dumb’ and open to criticism or whatever) and won’t play games where there is any amount of stress for them. Games like Killer Bunnies® remove the anxiety for these people and they can have fun, participate and be social when they otherwise wouldn't. Not every game needs to appeal to every group. Personally, I like the random element because it makes it so different from most games I play. I can sit back and enjoy the trading, backstabbing, and fun pop culture references on the cards rather than sit quietly and plot my next moves. I can also include friends who don’t/can’t “complete” in other games.

3. There are basically 12 lottery tickets (carrots) and the winning ticket is drawn at the end. All of the crap with the bunnies and weapons are mere diversions to this fact.

   Which brings me to: Killer Bunnies® is about the journey, not the destination. The destination in Killer Bunnies® allows you to set some parameters around when to end the game. (Do we play with 8, 10, 12, or 20 Carrots?) Few people take an airplane if they want to “see the countryside” (air travel is usually about the destination), while those who are interested in seeing the countryside will travel by automobile, train, hot air balloon, or even hitchhike, which is about the journey. “The journey” is important aspect of other games too. Why watch an entire (American) football game live, rather than reading the score (the destination) in the paper the next morning? Why don't people DVR football games? Because the destination isn’t quite as important as the journey. If the journey wasn’t important, why is sportsmanship important?

4. The rules are poorly written leaving questions still unanswered. A few examples of game play would have been nice.

   While some of the rules could have been written with more clarity, players must acknowledge that there is a small amount of space on a card. Does one play Blackjack only knowing the rules, or does one seek out additional references? That’s where the Bunny Bits and the Quest Card Companion come in as aids.

5. Why have 10 pages of rules for a game of luck?

   Entire books are written about games of chance. It is called gambling. The nuances of chance require more explanation than deterministic games like Checkers. See also the answer to point #3. So, you could reply to this person, but it is his preference and opinion. It is unlikely that you will persuade him to change his mind any more than you can change his “favorite” color.

Killer Bunnies Quest for the Magic Carrot Deluxe Edition

Looking at the new Magic Carrot Deluxe Edition box set? Wondering what you would do with your existing Killer Bunnies?

How about giving your existing set to friends, so that they can also enjoy Killer Bunnies® and the Quest for the Magic Carrot?

© 2012 Glenn Davis.

All Rights Reserved.