Netflix’s library of games playable on your TV has gone mostly under the radar. Similarly, interest in the streamer’s mobile gaming catalogue has stagnated in recent months. It hopes to change that by adding some iconic party titles with a proven track record. We’re talking about the Jackbox Party Essentials, of course.
What’s in the Jackbox?
All you need is a TV, an active Netflix subscription — any will do — and a smartphone that’ll serve as your controller. Every player taking part will need their own smartphone, too, with the Netflix app installed. Netflix first introduced TV games back in November, with five titles, including Lego Party, to get the ball rolling.
Only three Jackbox games are hopping over to your TV. Those would be Drawful 2, Fibbage 4, and Quiplash 3. The rules are simple. Drawful 2 mimics Pictionary, but with prompts like “I married a pogo stick.” You’ll use your finger (or a stylus if you’re a sweat) to draw your masterpiece, before others attempt to correctly guess it.
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You get the idea. Quiplash manages to rip off the Cards Against Humanity vibe pretty successfully, and, incredibly, even delivers the same inherently unfunny humour. We’ve yet to jam Fibbage 4, which apes Balderdash at every turn. A fact is read aloud, leaving one word missing. You’ll fill in the blanks, hoping to convince your mates to take the bait. Doing so earns you points, as does choosing the right answer.
If you haven’t played a Jackbox title before, you’re in for a fun ride. Assuming you’ve got the right group of friends first. Jackbox relies on wit (or lack thereof) to score points, so tread carefully. Netflix reckons each game shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes to complete, so you won’t be locked in with the wrong crowd for long.
