Price: $25.00
(as of Mar 03, 2025 03:59:14 UTC – Details)
Drug use, personal demons, wild episodes, and more. Side Effects is a “take that” card game where you race to treat all the diseases in your psyche with drugs and therapy. You’ll start with 4 Disorder cards dealt face up and then take turns trying to find (or steal) the right Drug cards to treat your Disorders. But beware! Drug cards will also leave you open to receiving new Disorders from other players! A 2019 SXSW Gamer’s Voice finalist. In addition to being wickedly fun to play, Side Effects is a gorgeous piece of art within itself — the gilded box contains 89 beautiful cards and an instruction booklet. A pleasing gift for anyone, it takes only minutes to learn and can play from 2 to 8 (ages 14 and up).
Engage in Strategic Fun: Dive into a “take that” card game where 2-8 players race to treat their psyche using drugs and therapy, making every play a unique challenge. Perfect for ages 14 and up with a playtime of 10-30 minutes.
Easy to Learn, Challenging to Master: With very simple rules, Side Effects promises an addictive gameplay that is easy for beginners to pick up, yet offers deep strategic options for seasoned players.
SXSW Award Nominated: You’ll see quickly why Side Effects was a finalist for a SXSW Gamer’s Voice award.
Dynamic Player Interaction: Start with four disease cards and navigate the risks of treatment versus potential side effects. Use Episode cards to affect your fate and that of your opponents for thrilling twists and turns.
Beautifully Crafted with Care: Side Effects was created by Jade Shames & Ben Bronstein, with additional creative support by Kat Thek & Jen Igartua.
Customers say
Customers find the game fun and easy to learn. They appreciate the creative artwork style and fast pacing. The rules are straightforward, and the game is well worth purchasing. Customers also like the accuracy, quality cards, and strategy of the game.
Product Review: Side Effects – A Game of Strategic Play and Psychological Thrills
As an editor at [Your Site Name], I’m always on the lookout for fresh and innovative games that can captivate players and challenge their thinking. Enter Side Effects, a thought-provoking card game that dives deep into the quirky and often uncharted waters of personal psychology, creating an experience that combines strategy with humor.
A Unique Concept that Resonates
Side Effects invites players into a "take that" environment where individuals race against each other to treat various psychological disorders using drug cards and therapy tactics. The premise itself is intriguing, as it explores real-life themes of mental health in a fun and engaging manner. Each player starts with four Disorder cards and must strategically choose or steal Drug cards to treat them while avoiding the potential pitfalls of acquiring new Disorders from opponents. This creates a dynamic gameplay experience where every move carries the weight of strategic planning and foresight.
An Artistic Masterpiece
Not only is Side Effects a game of wit and strategy, but it also doubles as a beautifully crafted piece of art. The gilded box that houses the 89 cards showcases stunning illustrations and attention to detail that elevate the entire gaming experience. It’s the kind of game that can be proudly displayed on a shelf, making it an excellent gift for friends or family who appreciate both art and engaging gameplay.
The Perfect Mix of Accessibility and Depth
One of the standout features of Side Effects is its accessibility. With easy-to-understand rules, newcomers to the world of card games will find it straightforward to dive into the action. Yet, as seasoned players quickly discover, simplicity does not equate to lack of depth. The game masterfully balances easy mechanics with strategic layers that can take time to fully exploit, ensuring that no two games feel the same, regardless of how often you play.
Dynamic and Engaging Player Interaction
The thrill of Side Effects comes not just from your own decisions, but also from the constant interplay with other players. The use of Episode cards adds a layer of unpredictability, allowing players to impact both their fates and the fates of their opponents. This keeps the game lively, ensuring that players must remain vigilant and adaptive to ever-changing circumstances—a refreshing contrast to more static games.
A Recognized Gem
It’s worth noting that Side Effects was a finalist for the SXSW Gamer’s Voice award in 2019, a recognition that underscores its merit and popularity within the gaming community. There’s a reason why this game gained recognition, and playing it will quickly show you why it stands out in a crowded market.
Final Opinion
In conclusion, Side Effects is an engaging blend of strategy, humor, and artistry that delivers an unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you’re looking to introduce friends to something new, enjoy a competitive night in with family, or simply expand your collection with a game that’s as visually appealing as it is fun, Side Effects hits all the right notes. If you’re ready to confront your personal demons—in a lighthearted, strategic manner—this game will be a welcome addition to your game night lineup. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to treat yourself to this unique and beautiful card game!
