The Sequel to Exploding Kitten Card Game is out on Mobile!

From a casual dedicated deck tabletop card game, Exploding Kittens has evolved into a massively popular franchise. It was first launched in 2015 by The Oatmeal webcomic creator Matthew Inman. Thanks to various online and streamer communities that catapulted the card game to mainstream media. One year after its successful launch, a mobile version was developed, capturing its beloved gameplay but in a single-player mode.

In 2022, Netflix launched another free-to-play version of Exploding Kittens which became part of its growing Netflix Games library. The game coincided with Netflix’s very own animated series adaptation of the popular game. Marmalade Game Studio, the same publisher behind popular titles that are also adapted from real tabletop games like Monopoly, Clue, and Battleship, recently launched the sequel to Exploding Kittens.

Same Game but More Explosively Fun!

It is interesting to note that Exploding Kittens 2 doesn’t stray far from the whimsical, cat-themed chaos that made the original a hit. It managed to capture all the elements that we loved from the original, particularly its distinct humor and quirky artwork. Like its predecessor, the game will introduce you to even more bizarrely illustrated cards, from taco-loving cats to time-traveling bunnies.

Exploding Kittens 2 follows the same mechanics. The main objective of the game is to avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card while trying to sabotage your opponents, making it both a strategic game and a game of chance. As soon as the game starts, players take turns drawing cards from a communal deck. Each turn, you must draw one card, which could be harmless or could be the dreaded Exploding Kitten. Be mindful that if you draw an Exploding Kitten, you’re out of the game unless you have a Defuse card. Without a Defuse, the kitten explodes, and you’re eliminated from the match.

New Features in Exploding Kitten 2

One of the most noticeable upgrades in Exploding Kittens 2 is the ability to customize your deck. Players can now build their deck using specific cards unlocked through gameplay. As you play, you unlock new cards and power-ups, giving you the ability to tailor your deck to your preferred playstyle. Some cards offer unique abilities, making your strategy more flexible and personalized.

The game also expanded its gameplay with new power-ups and abilities that give players more ways to manipulate the game. Abilities like Multi-defuse ( allow players to defuse multiple kittens at once) and Super Shuffle ( re-shuffle the deck in your favor) provide a fresh twist to the gameplay.

In addition to its Multiplayer campaign, the sequel also introduced the Adventure Mode, a single-player mode where players go on a series of missions to defeat computer-controlled opponents. On top of this are the featured timed events and challenges where players can compete in special modes for exclusive rewards.

The game also reintroduces Nope Cards which allow players to block or cancel the actions of other players. These cards serve as powerful tools for countering other players and keeping the game unpredictable.

For players who are looking for a more competitive experience, Exploding Kittens 2 features a ranked system where you can climb the leaderboard. Winning matches in ranked play earns you points while losing could drop you in the standings.

Enhanced Visuals and Animations

While the first version of the mobile app is already a visual delight that treats you with adorable yet bizarre-looking felines. Exploding Kittens 2 offers notable enhanced visuals. The game remains faithful to its vibrant and hand-drawn art style but the animations feel snappier and more fluid than in the previous app. There were also notable changes to the interface, making navigation a lot easier.

Verdict

The greatest part about this new Exploding Kittens game is that the sequel managed to incorporate new details and elements while remaining faithful to its predecessor. It wonderfully retains the essence of the original game’s simple, chaotic fun but enhances it with new layers of depth, more strategic options, and additional modes. Whether you are an avid fan of the original card game or it is your first time playing it, Exploding Kittens 2 is surely a game worth exploring. Have fun and good luck!