Choose One (Card Game)
Publisher: Looney Labs
Release Date: October 2013
MSRP: $30.00
Number of Players: 3 to 10
Playing Time: 20-40 minutes
Age Rating: 14+
Product #: 058LOO
ICv2 Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
 
Summary:  The basic concept is that the players are trying to score points based on how much they know about each other, or can guess.  The active player draws a card and lets people know what the question is, one with two possible answers.  The other players try to guess which of the two answers the active player would choose.
 
The scoring mechanism is a bit odd, somewhat like Dixit in that you score points only if some people guess correctly, but not everyone.  So, if your choices are too obvious, or they are too outrageous to be apparent, then no one comes out ahead.  The questions themselves are often based on fan-ish concepts, like which of two superpowers you would rather have, or whether you would prefer to travel through space or time.  Some are about which of two television series you prefer.  Others are more mundane, such as questions about food preferences.
 
Originality:  There have been other such party games, but where this one stands out is the large number of different questions, along with their connection so SF and comics fandom.  You can play this game quite a few times before repeating any questions.  If they issue expansion sets of questions at a later date, you will be able to play it for years without "reruns" of a game sequence.
 
Presentation:  The cards are simple.  No fancy illustrations, so this is even less visually attractive than the Fluxx games.  On the other hand, the cards are very readable, and the box is small enough to easily transport, with little wasted space.
 
Quality:  The cards seem to be well-made and durable.  The rules are very simple.  There's even a tiny board for keeping score, along with odd little counters.
 
Marketability:  The game seems best when played either by a group of friends or by a group of total strangers.  With strangers, it's a fun icebreaker.  With friends, it really does let you know how much you DO know about each other.  Any mixture of the two within a single game would unbalance it, which is at least a slight drawback.  Another is the choice of questions.  When a question comes up about 60’s television, younger players might be utterly baffled.
 
Overall:  The ability to handle up to ten players is a plus.  The scoring mechanics and the difficulty in playing the game in mixed groups are minor drawbacks, but the game is fun in either the "icebreaker" setting or among friends who know each other well.  The quality is high enough to merit consideration for anyone who wants a simple party game on hand.  Think of it as Trivial Pursuits about your friends and you won't be far off.
 
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.