Mad Scientist University Game Review

 Most games have very strict rules of play - quite necessarily.  But every once in a while you come across a game with more flexible rules and a larger capacity for invention and creativity.  And those games can be little gems!  Mad Scientist University, by Atlas Games is just such a game!

Here's what I enjoy about Mad Scientist University:

1.) It plays 3-7 people! - Being a family of 5, we're always looking for games that can play more than 4 players.  Our youngest is getting tired of always being on a "team."

2.) It's for players ages 8 and up. -  The concept is not very difficult and it really relies on creativity.  This makes it a great game for various ages!

3.) It's also a "party game" - because its small, portable, plays up to 7people, and is FUNNY it makes a great game for a gathering!

4.) It inspires creativity! - Basically the game works like this: during each round, one player plays the TA (teaching assistant).  The TA gives each player an "unstable element" card.  These cards contain things like: traffic cones, ninjas, peanut butter, and hair clips.  Then the TA presents the entire group with an "insane assignment card." This assignment may be something like: "win the election," "cure the common cold," or "fly to the moon."  Each player then has to 15 seconds to come up with an "evil plot" to use the unstable element they were given to accomplish the insane assignment. After each player has presented their idea, the TA picks the one they like the best and awards that player the insane assignment card.  Play continues until each player has been TA 3 times. Then the person with the most insane assignment cards wins!

5.) Multiple ages can play at once - because the game is based on creativity, and because the winner of each round is decided "subjectively" by the TA, adults and kids can play together and the kids still have a chance of winning! 

6.) It would make a FANTASTIC creative writing prompt! - This game can lead to some hilarious and creative discussions!  It would be a fantastic game to play in creative writing class to spur on a wild writing assignment!

I received this game, free of charge from Atlas Games in exchange for my honest review.