We love to play board games as a family and just as adults. We have previously played 5 Second Rule Jr. with the children and 5 Second Rule Uncensored just for the adults (this version is definitely not for the kids). Now that they are that bit older they are too old for the junior version but certainly not old enough for the uncensored version. Time for a different version of this popular game – 5 Second Rule Electronic.
We loved the 5 Second Rules games as when under time pressure it is quite difficult to ‘name 3 things that go with chips’ – doesn’t everything goes with chips? Or maybe ‘name 3 flavours of ice cream’ or if playing the Uncensored adult version ‘name things you shouldn’t do with your anus’. You have probably already named 3 or more things for one of those questions whilst reading this. But could you do it in 5 seconds with a timer counting down and your fellow players watching and waiting for your answers, adding that extra pressure? It is a lot more difficult than you think, and surprising how little you can recall from the depths of your memory when under pressure.
5 Second Rule Electronic is a family game for 3-6 players aged 10 and over. It has a playing time of around 20-30 minutes and is a game where a quick mind and fast hand is essential, you only have five seconds to give three answers to a question and then hit the electronic timer button before it goes off. Gone is the Zoop timer as in previous versions, it is replaced by an electronic button timer.
In the box:
- 326 Question Cards (652 Questions)
- Electronic Timer
- Playing Board
- Playing Pawns (x6)
- Pass on Cards (x6)
- Switch Cards (x6)
- Rules
As with most board games there is some quick setting up to do before you can play. Setting up the game is quick and easy. The playing board is placed in the centre of the table with the electronic timer in the centre of the board (you will need to install 3xAAA batteries in the timer, none are supplied), all the cards go into the card box with the same colour facing the front/draw end (Note: the card box does not hold all the cards and there are more that can be used when required). Place the card box in a position on the table where everyone can reach it. Each player then chooses their colour of playing pawn and places it on the START position on the playing board. Each player is then dealt 1 PASS ON card and 1 SWITCH card. That’s it for the setting up (I told you it was quick and easy), the game is now ready to play.
To play, somebody must go first. In this game it is the youngest player. This player is now in the HOT SEAT. Play starts with the player in the hot seat and will go left around the table. The player to the right of the person in the hot seat draws a card from the box and reads it aloud. All cards begin with “Name 3…” followed by random categories. For example, the card may read “Name 3 Cheeses”. Once the question has been read out, the reader of the question presses the button on the timer to start the countdown, the player in the hot seat then has five seconds to name three cheeses and could go for Cheddar, Stilton and (if you know your cheese) Stinking Bishop. Once they have answered the question, they press the timer and will get a ‘ding’ sound, if they don’t press it within the five seconds the timer will make a ‘buzz’ sound. If the player in the hot seat answered the question correctly and hit the timer in time they can move one space on the board, if not the same question moves on to the next player, but they cannot use any of the answers already given. Play continues until a player can move their piece around the board to the finish.
If you remember, players were also given PASS ON and SWITCH cards to aid them in their progress around the board. To use, the active player needs to shout PASS ON or SWITCH (as long as they have the card to match) before their turn. PASS ON allows you to pass your question on to the player to your left and if they get it wrong you move forward one space (be aware: if they do get it right, they move forward a space). If you play your SWITCH card you can swap your question for another. As you make your way around the board, watch out for the danger zones, they can see you miss a turn!
Overall, I have already mentioned that we love the 5 Second Rule games and the electronic edition is just as enjoyable. It is very easy and simple to play but coming up with the answers is a bit more of a challenge (games that use a timer have a very bad habit of wiping all information from your brain, leaving you floundering and spluttering).
This version of the game has slightly more advanced questions than the junior version, which as the kids are now older is much better for us but just as enjoyable. Some of the answers that come up are just hilarious.
We loved the electronic timer and think it is much better than the zoop timer in other versions we have played – it is a brilliant addition. It makes the game that bit easier to use and it certainly won’t get as annoying as the old zoop timer (the zoop timer was great until the novelty wore off).
We have really enjoyed playing the game. It is fast and exciting and all ages can play together.
A fast, fun family game that is perfect for family game nights. With over 650 questions there is always something different every time we play.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £21.99
For more information or to buy, visit PlayMonster.co.uk. Also available from Amazon here.
Disclosure: I received this item for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.
