The Mind Extreme

I know what you’re thinking! (You saucy animal you!). And in order to get through this mind-bending game, you’re going to have to learn the mystical arts of mind-reading too. Maybe just avoid the furthest recesses of what lurks in the corners of mine. It’s what’s best for us both. Like a pack of juicy fig rolls (I am reading some judgemental thoughts), this game just absolutely refuses to be put down. The Mind by Wolfgang Warsch is hands down (on the table) one of the best small box games available on the market, and The Mind EXTREME is a step up for everyone who fooled themselves into thinking the standard version was easy.

Great Minds Think Alike…

You knew I was going to say that right? Good. I thought so.

Can you count to fifty? Of course, you can! The first thing we all learn to do during our innocent youths no matter where we are in the world is count. As long as you can do that then you can play this addictive little game. Just make sure who you play it with can also count to fifty.

All your group needs to do is simply work together to place their hand of cards down in ascending and descending order. Only, you don’t know what numbers aunty Steve or uncle Susan have hold of, as the clincher here is: you aren’t allowed to talk to each other! The Mind EXTREME is the perfect game to pull out if you’re tired of all those family squabbles. Each round is heart grippingly tense as you each place down what you believe to be the next lowest white number (just like in The Mind) or next highest red number, hoping to heavens that your mind-meld is in sync with each other, desperately wanting to claw your way to a higher level than you did last game.

If you thought that wasn’t enough of a challenge rise from the original, then push those filthy thoughts to the back of your mind and prepare your brain for the true challenge of this EXTREME edition. You only get 2 rounds of full sight. From round 3, you will need to start playing certain colour cards upside down! This game is almost certainly impossible. I have never got almost as far as I have with The Mind, but it is just as fun and just as addictive. Just simply two million times harder.

Poor Minds Also Think Alike…

Is this game right for me? Should I buy it? Will I like it? I KNOW these are the questions you are asking as we are in sync now you see.

This game is undoubtfully hard. And I don’t mean that as an attempt to spike your testosterone into taking on the challenge. I mean, it seems almost impossible without a butt-ton of pure, unadulterated luck in order to win. The more players you have, the more you will lose. Moreover, the more you lose, the more frustrated you will get. The more frustrated you get, the less enjoyment you will take from the game. Choosing the people to pull this game out for will be a challenge in itself, as you will need people who can see the comical side of a game that basically, can’t be won.

The Mind EXTREME is definitely not a game for sore losers or stress heads.

And of Course… Space Bunnies?

I did not expect me to say that either.

The game in of itself didn’t necessarily need a theme or expressive artwork considering its simplicity. It is, at the end of the day, only 2 sets of cards marked from 1 to 50. But even in this department, the game excels. I could not for the sake of me educate you on how floating little energised anthropomorphic bunnies wearing nuclear disarmament necklaces have to do with any game (or anything), ever, but gosh darn is it a pretty game to look at!

One thing this game has, which is something I always appreciate in small games is linen finish cards. This really helps put you at ease if you are playing it with drinks around as the cards are water-resistant. Alcoholic beverages are scientifically proven to enhance mind-reading capabilities, you can trust me, I am a professional liar doctor.

The Highest Level of Mental Ascendance…

All jokes aside, The Mind EXTREME is a fantastic little game to pick up if you need a new simple game to play with family; as a gateway game to introduce new gamers to the hobby; as a little refreshing game to play between the heavier and chunkier games; or even a good little game to start a party with. The game is ludicrously simple to set up and teach, it’s fun and addictive, and games can be played in quick succession. You could have played a few games instead of reading this review!