Blockbuster: The Game review - "Fast, frantic, and fun"

Blockbuster is doing rather well for itself, all things considered. Despite its collapse in 2013, the video rental chain still manages to shuffle into the spotlight via countless nostalgic throwbacks - like when Captain Marvel added an impromptu skylight to the roof of a 1990s store during her debut movie. Fast-forward to now and it’s resurfacing yet again with a party board game from Big Potato Games, publishers of Obama Llama and Bucket of Doom.

It's not another quiz wannabe, though. Trust me, you'll want to take note of this one. Blockbuster: The Game is a worthy of addition to our list of the best board games thanks to its accessible rules and frenetic action. Its head-to-head challenge has resulted in near-legendary stories amongst my friend group too. You could say it's something of an over-achiever.

Blockbuster: The Game features & design

• Fast-paced party game
• Head-to-head and charades challenges
• Not based on movie trivia - anyone can play

Much like Big Potato's other releases, Blockbuster is a party game that relies on quick reactions. It’s also a cute nod to everything ‘90s: the box is modelled after a VHS case, its cards are designed to look like tapes, and the board is reminiscent of an old Blockbuster car park. It even features the iconic but-slightly-wonky sign.

However, it’s not a slave to nostalgia. Although Blockbuster: The Game trades on happy memories at a surface level, the gameplay is more than strong enough to hold your attention even if you never set foot in a Blockbuster store. And before you say it, no - you don't need to know lots about films to play. This is a game anyone can get involved with.

So, how does it work? Blockbuster: The Game is similar to other speedy quizzers like Five Second Rule or Pinch 'N' Pass. You’re racing against the clock to describe, quote, and act out as many movies as you can. Aimed at teams of at least two people per side, the goal is to build a deck of eight 'genre' cards before your opponents do. And that's it. As with any good party game, it's easy to explain, understand, and set up. This makes Blockbuster ideal for a get-together with friends or family.

Add in a fast-paced head-to-head round and you have a game that'll keep everyone on their toes.

Gameplay

• Intense back-and-forth showdowns
• Not overly strategic, but loads of fun
• Charades-style gameplay leads to funny moments

Blockbuster: The Game isn't the sort of game you cruise through on autopilot, nor is it forgettable. You see, it doesn’t take prisoners. As a case in point, see exhibit A - the amusingly brutal first round. After being given a category to work with (e.g. "movies with dogs"), a single member of your team is chosen to yell out a relevant film and hit the buzzer which resets a 15-second time limit. Someone from the opposing group must then do the same thing. This head-to-head squabble continues until one side can’t think of anything else, and time runs out. Which will happen faster than you think, by the way. Every sensible answer seems to leak out of your head just as the timer starts ticking.

The result can be incredibly memorable. While most of us may run out of answers within a short space of time, two pals of mine kept going for ten minutes straight in a bout of verbal tennis. It's become a semi-mythical battle in my friend group.

'Triple Charades Jeopardy' is next, and you could argue that it's even better because everyone is involved. To kick off, the first round's winner picks six random cards featuring a movie from the deck before choosing three. They then have to describe the first film using one word, use or make up a quote from the second, and mime a third for their team in just 30 seconds. If your team guesses them correctly, you receive those cards.

As you can probably guess, the result of is often hilarious.

Oh, but there's one more thing - the first round's winner must choose which cards their rivals will use as well. Because they're likely to choose the three easiest cards for themselves, that leaves the harder ones for their opponents. It’s deliciously evil, and I’m all for it.

OK, so there's not a lot of strategy powering all this. However, Blockbuster isn't the sort of game you can run on autopilot. You'll eventually have to step outside of your comfort zone and choose genres you're less familiar with to complete the set, so resting on your laurels is ill-advised. Plus, I'm not sure it needs tactical depth. The point is having fun, and it nails that assignment.

Basically, what you're left with is a lot of light-hearted silliness. Blockbuster: The Game is a real laugh for those who are alright with time pressure, and it'll appeal to most people as well because it doesn't require extensive trivia knowledge. Yes, the pressure may be too much for some. But seeing as the barrier to entry is so low,

Should you buy Blockbuster: The Game?

Blockbuster: The Game is a great way to spend your evening, especially if drinks are involved and spirits are high. If you can get a large enough group together, it’s also a fun exercise in teamwork and/or exasperation. While it's not necessarily one of the best cooperative board games out there, it's a good icebreaker nonetheless. Nothing brings people together like good old-fashioned competition.

Are there better party board games out there? Of course. But few balance accessibility, fun, and stakes quite like Blockbuster.

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested Blockbuster: The Game

I've played Blockbuster in my own time for years now, and it's remained in rotation at my house ever since I first published this review back in 2021. Since then I've tried it with numerous groups of people in different circumstances. I've also tried it alongside other party board games to get a sense of how it compares.

In terms of my credentials, I have been writing professionally since 2012 and have covered board games for GamesRadar+ for more than six years.

To get a broader overview of our process, don't miss our guide to how we test board games. As for a wider overview, be sure to check in on the GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

Looking for other suggestions? Don't miss the Be sure to check out these best 2-player board games, or the best adult board games.