Welcome to RS Games Apples to Apples, an accessible, online, multiplayer version of the fun card game, Apples to Apples! RS Games Apples to Apples utilizes the RS Games client, which allows players to play against each other from around the world, via the centralized RS Games server. Please note that a decent comprehension of the English language is necessary to fully enjoy the game.
To get started, you will need the RS Games client installed. To get the RS Games client if you don't have it already, go to http://www.rsgames.org, connecting and logging into the server are covered in the RS Games client documentation. Alternatively, you can use the web client, from which you can play by using your web browser. Web Client Link. This document assumes you have read the RS Games client documentation first, for general concepts and instructions on using the client. If you have not read this document, please read it before continuing.
If you are using the web client, options referred to as keyboard commands in this document will appear as buttons on the web page.
Once you are connected, choose Apples to Apples from the list of games, and you will be presented with the main menu. From there, you can create a new game, join a game, or see a list of existing games. Choose an option using the up and down arrow keys and the enter key, or by clicking on the option if you are using the web client.
If you choose to create a new game, you will be asked what variation you would like (explained below), and if you want to make the game private. If you choose yes, you can set a password, and only those who know the password will be able to join. After you have made your choice, you will be placed in your game. Here, players will be able to join your game. Please note that you need at least 3 players to play Apples to Apples, although the more players you have, the more fun the game will be.
In other games we have produced for the RS Games Client, we have programmed computer players ("bots") that can serve as your opponent. Due to the nature of the game, we have not programmed bots, as they require a very high level of artificial intelligence. For the record, we have yet to find ANY computer game that allows you to play against a non-human.
Once you are ready to start the game, press the Enter key. You need at least three players.
To join a game, choose the Join Game option from the main menu. You will be presented with a list of games that are open for players, along with the people playing in each game. Choose a game from the list, and press enter. If the game is private, you will then be asked to enter the password. Once you are in the game, you must wait for the game master to start the game.
Apples to Apples is an easy game to learn. Everyone in the table is first dealt seven red cards. These red cards are nouns or noun phrases. One player in the table is designated a "judge" for the round. The judge flips over a different kind of card, called a green card. The green cards are adjectives. On both cards, descriptions are also printed to help augment understanding of the word.
It is the job of all players who aren't a judge to pick one of their red cards to go along the green card. Once all players have submitted their red cards to the judge, the judge picks the best red card that matches the green card. The judge may pick whatever card they wish, however, the official rules encourage the judge to pick the red card that is the "most creative, humorous or interesting". The judge switches every round, every person will get the opportunity to be a judge. (Note that judges do not submit their own card). The winner of the round gets to keep the green card, they serve as score.
For example, lets say the judge flips over "Scenic". All the non-judges in the game are now presented with a menu, where they will choose the card they think is most appropriate. Once all the players have finished submitting their cards, the judge is now presented with a menu where he/she will choose their favorite match. The judge does not know who submitted what card, and whoever the judge picks wins the round. The winner keeps the green card, this is how the score is kept.
There are different variations to this game. The classic rules are discussed above, there are 2 other variations we have coded.
Each player selects a red card from their hand before the judge flips over the green card. After the red cards are handed in, the judge turns over a green card. The judge selects the winning red card as usual. This variation can be fun and challenging, as you do not know what card you need to match!
The judge flips over two apple cards to start each round. All players (except the judge) select a red apple card from his/her hand that is best matched by both green cards. The winner of the round shall receive both green cards to keep. This variation can be a blast, it awards twice the amount of cards!
The first person to accumulate 12 green cards wins the game. It is under consideration to adjust this number depending on how many players are in the game.
There are several keyboard commands that can be used to get information about your current game: (In Mac, please use the Option key where Alt is used)
You can chat with other players at any point during game play by pressing the F2 key, typing your message into the input box and pressing enter. You can also chat at the main menu to other players who are not currently in a game, also by pressing F2.
To change the volume of the background music during the game, use F3 to lower the volume and F4 to raise the volume. You can also adjust the volume of the sound effects with F5 and F6 to lower or raise the volume, respectively.
You can opt to receive a transcript of your game, that is, an email containing the entire text of your game. When you leave a game, you will be asked if you would like to receive a transcript. If you would, choose Yes, and the transcript will be sent to the email address you used when creating your RS Games account.
Thanks to the following people for helping to create RS Games Apples to Apples:
If you have any problems using any of the games released by RS Games, or have a question, bug report, suggestion, feature request, or anything else, feel free to contact RS Games by sending an email to rsgames@gmail.com.