Never Played Fluxx? Dive In With These Geeky Variations on a Classic Card Game

Card games tend to baffle me for the most part. As a kid, they just weren’t my favorites. But as I got older, I realized the potential of them. Or, rather, what they could teach me. That’s right, card games are great for learning how to strategize!

Okay, okay. They’re also fun to play.

I just didn’t know how much fun they could be until someone introduced me to Fluxx. At first glance, Fluxx seems harmless, but then you learn how to play. That’s when all the viciousness begins, sort of like when you play Super Mario Bros., an urge to win comes over you.

You must destroy your enemies!

Like with any other card game, the rules are simple: follow the cards, for they know all. Translation: Fluxx doesn’t have written rules. Rather, you start with a hand of three cards and you draw one card and place one card down. After that, you follow the directions on the card.

Scary, huh? It truly is a game of chance.

Now, since I’ve possibly scarred you for life, I figure I should introduce you to the diverse world of Looney Labs’ Fluxx!

Zombie Fluxx

This is by far one of my favorite versions of Fluxx. And, coincidentally, it was the first version that I ever played.

In zombie Fluxx, as a human (Keeper) you have one goal: exterminate the zombies (Creepers)! And yes, sometimes that includes your friends.

Actually, I take that back. There is the alternative of reaching the ungoal: that’s when the zombies win the game. However, I don’t want to spoil to much for you. Instead, you can check it out here. But beware, it’s more fun if you play without knowing (it gives it more of an organic experience).

Think you’re ready to be the one to come out of the zombie apocalypse alive? Find out in Zombie Fluxx!

Batman Fluxx

Feeling the need to become a superhero? Try out Batman Fluxx, the second variation of Fluxx that I have decided to share today. After all, who doesn’t like the hero of Gotham City?

Unlike Zombie Fluxx, Batman Fluxx does not have an ungoal. What it does have is a list of 28 possible goals for you to reach. (Just by looking at the list I think my favorite is “To the Batpole”.)

And of course, it wouldn’t be Batman Fluxx without appearances from the Bat team (Keepers: by which I mean Bruce Wayne/Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Alfred, etc.) and their arch nemesis’ (Creepers: Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, etc.).

The point is, if you’re into DC comics, or just Batman himself, this Fluxx game is the perfect intro for you!

CN Fluxx

I am glad that I found this particular version of Fluxx. Why, you ask. Well, I’ll tell you. Do you know how difficult it is to choose between Adventure Time Fluxx and Regular Show Fluxx? I’ll give you a hint: It’s difficult. So, so, difficult.

Do you know what’s easy though? Finding a way to combine the two! Which is how we got here: CN Fluxx.

CN Fluxx is short for, you guessed it, Cartoon Network Fluxx, which means that you can get the best of both worlds, plus more.

The “Keepers” of this game are all well-known characters from Cartoon Network.

Unlike our first two counterparts, CN Fluxx does not have any Creepers. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t know. What I do know is that one of the goals for this version is “Bad Guys” and that may be the reason why there are no “Creepers.” (It’s a bummer because we totally wanted to beat up the Rowdyruff Boys…)

So, if you’re a child trapped in the body of an adult (or an adultier adult), you should definitely try out this game. I think that you’ll love it!

Monty Python Fluxx

It is my belief that if you are a gamer you have most likely seen Monty Python, unless you’re an anomaly like me. Regardless of if you have or have not, Monty Python Fluxx will probably be the reason that you decide to watch it for the first time or re-watch it.

And here’s why: It has a castle expansion pack. Don’t get me wrong, other versions of the game have expansion packs as well, but this is with castles (and we all know castles are amazeballs)!

It also contains your garden variety of “Keepers” including: Excalibur, King Arthur, and the Nude Organist, as well as “Creepers” including: Grim Reaper, 3- Headed Giant, and a Killer Rabbit (with nasty big pointy teeth), just to name a few. Who would you say no to that?

Plus there are 31 highly entertaining goals, the crème of the crop being “This is an Ex-Parrot.”

If none of that convinces you, then I don’t know what will. Except to click here to see for yourself whether or not it’s worth your time (and we both know that it is).

Cthulhu Fluxx

 We are at the end of our list, and I bet you’re wondering why I chose to end with Cthulhu Fluxx. Well, it’s simple really. I believe that if you begin with monsters than you should end with monsters. And if Cthulhu isn’t one of the most fascinating monsters ever to you, I don’t know what to tell you.

Cthulhu Fluxx is unique from the others in that not only does it have 28 goals, but it also has 4 ungoals. (See, I told you it was best to end with monsters. Only monster games would come with ungoals like this.)

Like the other Fluxx games, it has a compelling list of Keepers (Cultist, Ghoul, Necronomicon, Penguins, etc.) and Creepers (Yog-Sothoth, Nightmares, Cthulhu, and Fungi). It almost makes you wish it was a book or movie instead of a game-almost.

Anyways, with goals like “Penguin Therapy” and Ungoals like “Inevitable Doom,” it seems like Cthulhu Fluxx has a game play that people will talk about for ages to come.

I think Looney Labs hit the hammer right on the nail with this one (is that how the saying goes?) and I hope that they will consider an expansion pack (fingers crossed).

Answering Questions…

So, what do zombies, Batman, Cartoon Network, Monty Python, and Cthulhu have in common? They are all Fluxx games! And as Fluxx games, they are widely entertaining without overdoing it.

But that’s enough about the details. Tell me, which of these versions of Fluxx would you play? Or would you scour the interwebs for something more-well- you?