Question 1

What's the difference between this and the family edition?  Which would you recommend for college students learning English?

Accepted Answer

There are two formats of the "Party Box" - standard packaging, and frustration-free packaging. The standard packaging contains 441 red cards and 63 double-word green cards, and measures 10.5"x10.5"x1.5". The frustration-free package contains 438 red cards and 62 double-word green cards, and measures 6"x3.75"x2.5". The double-word green cards change the game play slightly: the judge chooses which word to use, or you can play the "2 for 1" variation in which "each player selects the Red Apple card from their hand that is best described by BOTH words on the Green Apple card". Both Party Boxes have the label "Family" in the lower left corner to indicate it is a family category game. This should not be confused with the Family Edition.The Family Edition is also labeled "Party Box" and, just by looking at the picture, it is impossible to distinguish this from the standard packaging Party Box. The price, and the words "Family Edition" in the title are the only clues that this is actually a different product. The Family Edition contains 756 red cards and 252 green cards, and measures 12"x12"x4". It is a slightly bigger box than the standard packaging of the Party Box, but it is hard to tell this from the pictures, because they have the same shape. To be sure of which one you are getting, look in the description: in the Family Edition you will see "Includes over 1,000 cards", as compared to "Includes over 500 cards" in either format of the Party Box. Beware of the misleading advertisement on the Family Edition product page that says "There is a newer model of this item", with a link to the Party Box page. This fooled me into thinking that the standard packaging of the Party Box is the same thing as the Family Edition, just a newer version. This is NOT the case! The Party Box is half the price, but contains less than half the cards. The reduction of cards hits the hardest in the green card supply, with a mere 62 in the frustration-free Party Box and 63 in the standard packaging Party Box. The Party Box green cards have two words each and the Family Edition green cards have one word each, but there are four times as many. So if you really want to play the "2 for 1" variation with the Family Edition, you can draw two green cards per turn and STILL have more than twice as many turns as with the Party Box.The rules sheet for the Party Box is simplified and lacks detail. It does not contain the chart of how many cards are needed to win for different numbers of players, as there is in the Family Edition rules sheet.Physically, the standard packaging Party Box is very close to the Family Edition, only a couple of inches smaller but the same shape. The frustration-free packaging is more compact and portable. You could throw the frustration-free box in a purse or backpack to take with you on the go. If the box is jostled around or turned upside down, the cards will stay secure in the frustration-free packaging Party Box, but will get shaken around and fall out of their tray in either the standard packaging Party Box or the Family Edition. If portability is your priority, compare the frustration-free Party Box to the "Apples to Apples To Go" portable version, with 270 red cards and 90 single-word green cards, measuring 8"x8"x2", and featuring a built-in carrying case with magnetic closure.Conclusion: The Party Box is a cheaper version, what I would call Apples to Apples "lite". It is roughly half the price of the Family Edition, and contains less than half of the cards. It is a good budget option if you don't anticipate needing 1,000+ cards. The frustration-free packaging is compact and decently portable, so it may be a good budget alternative to the "Apples to Apples To Go" travel edition. Although the Party Box is being advertised as an updated model of the Family Edition, it is really a downgraded version. The packaging is so similar that it is very misleading. Don't be fooled.

Question 2

When did this version come out?

Accepted Answer

2017.Thanks for your inquiries

Question 3

Can you help me understand the difference between the regular and Junior versions of this game?

Accepted Answer

The regular game questions use more adult language and themes.  So you'll have to spend a bit more time explaining words or concepts to younger children.

Question 4

Can this be played with a group of 15 people?  Or better with smaller groups?

Accepted Answer

Smaller groups are better.

Mattel GamesApples to Apples Party in a Box Family Game with More Than 500 Cards for Game Nights & Parties

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