Games Influencer - MeepleandtheMoose | Disclaimer: A copy of Mean 13 was provided by Sticky 13 Games for review purposes. Mean 13 is quite the departure from the games that I… | Instagram

Disclaimer: A copy of Mean 13 was provided by Sticky 13 Games for review purposes.

”Mean 13 is quite the departure from the games that I usually cover on my blog, as I tend to focus on mid to heavyweight euro hobby board games. Mean 13 is not that, in fact, Mean 13 doesn't even have a BGG page! Instead, it’s a twist on bingo, designed not to test your tactical or strategic mind, but to spark laughter amongst family and friends.

In Mean 13, each player gets dealt a tableau of 13 face-up cards, numbered 1 to 13 in four different colours. Players are also dealt 8 secret 'mean cards.' Each round, the dealer flips over the top card of the call deck, and if any of your tableau cards match the number and colour, you flip them over. The first person to flip all their cards wins.

The mean cards can be played at any time, and have different effects, from flipping your own cards face down, swapping cards with an opponent (ideally one of your face up cards for one of their face down cards), reshuffling the call deck, or cancelling the last mean card played. And that's the whole game. There are some variants, like removing cards numbered 9-13 to shorten the game, or playing with fewer or no mean cards if you want a more friendly version.

So yeah, it's Bingo with a twist. It's simple, straightforward, and anyone can play— and I don't mean that in a bad way. What I'm really getting at is that this game is perfect for playing with people who don’t want to deal with a bunch of (or really any) complicated rules.

There are plenty of occasions where Mean 13 shines. I played a friendly game with my (almost) 4-year-old daughter, and she had a blast matching colours and numbers. I could see this being a hit at bars and pubs, which seems to be what the developers had in mind, as the cards are plastic and waterproof. It’d also be perfect for big family gatherings, like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

If you enjoy games like Uno or Munchkin, you’ll probably have fun with Mean 13. While it might not make it to the table with my regular gaming group, I can see it finding a place in many people’s lives, on tables surrounded by friends and drinks.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic family game

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 September 2024

“I bought this based on the reviews and have to say it’s brilliant. I have 3 grandkids who need entertaining when they come to visit and this game was perfect. We laughed and laughed throughout. I definitely recommend this game for a perfect family game night.”

5.0 out of 5 stars MEAN 13

Reviewed in the United States on 23 April 2024

“This is a fast thinking game, that will make you MAD. Just when you think your the winner, the other players can play a MEAN card and take your place. This game is great for family and friend gatherings.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun and easy to learn

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2024

“The rules are easy but this doesn’t mean it is simple. Things turn in an instant which means there will a a great sense of jeopardy!
Bought it for a friend’s birthday and need to get my own!!!”

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic fun game!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2024

“We ordered this game after some friends recommended it to us. What can I say, it is so much fun! We have played it a few times now and just keeps getting better and better especially as you learn new ways to be ‘mean’ We played it with friends on Saturday night after dinner and we had so much fun! It really is a game that can gets your brain thinking! I would highly recommend this game for family’s and groups of friends! This is an ideal game to also take on holiday for lots of fun!! Looking forward to playing mean 13 again soon!! A must buy for any household!!!”

5.0 out of 5 stars The best game

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 December 2023

“I never write reviews but I just thought I need to come on and give this 5 stars, honestly it has been the best game we've had for a few years now. My kids age 14 12 9 and 5 cannot stop asking for us to play. It caused arguments but hilariously funny arguments, it caused tantrums and most of all it caused my kids to team up which they never do to stop us from winning. Had a great time playing this, they are dying to bring friends over to play too.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing game!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 November 2023

“After buying and playing Mean13 several times with friends I decided to buy it as a Xmas present for some of my friends who I know they love all kinds of board and card games. Purely entertaining and loads of laughter on the table every time! Love it!!!”

5.0 out of 5 stars The best card game I have ever played!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2024

“So am not a card game kinda person but this one got me good! Played it over Christmas with the fam and it went down a treat esp as I was winning! 😜
Instructions are easy enough to follow but once you’ve played once you very quickly get the hang of it! Thoroughly enjoyed by all and I can see it making more appearances at any gatherings we have!”