Punch Bowl - Game Review
- Jacqueline Atkins
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Title: Punch Bowl
Designed By: Samuel Bryan and Gwen Ruelle
Art By: Kevin Ruelle
Published By: Runaway Parade Games LLC
Released: Coming to Kickstarter October 2025
Player Count: 1-5
Time to Play: 30-45 Minutes
Ages: 14+
Overview:
In Punch Bowl from Runaway Parade Games, you’re not just making drinks—you’re making strategic decisions that get tastier by the turn. Designed for 1–5 players, this competitive game invites you to craft the most point-packed punch using fruit, seltzer, and ice cubes. Each round, you’ll play from your deck, gradually trimming it down while trying to control punch bowls and maximize your score. It’s quick to learn, satisfyingly crunchy, and has some of the most delightful components we’ve seen in a while.
What's purr-ty cool:
Deck Deconstruction Done Right
If you’re used to deck building, get ready for a fun twist—Punch Bowl is all about deck shrinking. Everyone starts with the same cards, but each turn, you draw three, play one, keep one, and permanently trash one. It’s such a simple rule, but it leads to some really satisfying tension. I loved how my deck slowly became mine—totally different from my opponents’. And the best (or worst) part? When you draw a hand where you want to keep everything and have to say goodbye to a card you really like. Ouch. But in a good way.
Area Control... with Fruit!
I’ve played a lot of area control games, and most of them involve “dudes on a map.” Not this one. In Punch Bowl, you’re vying for control of fruity punch bowls. The key is the special ingredient each round, which doubles the value of that fruit. So not only are you choosing what to play—you’re also influencing how much it’s worth. That little twist adds a layer of delicious manipulation to every decision, and I found myself constantly trying to outthink what other people were going to toss into the mix.
So Pretty, It’s Practically a Snack
The components in this game will make you hungry. The fruit tokens are chunky, colorful, and look exactly like fruit snacks. (Seriously, do not eat them, even though you’ll want to.) I love that the game uses 3D pieces instead of cardboard chits—it makes everything feel more tactile and fun. Plus, the art is just plain lovely. I actually got to play with Gwen, the designer, and she told me the sweetest thing: her dad did all the artwork, and designing this game was a way for them to work on something creative together. How cool is that? That story made me appreciate the art even more—it’s a game full of heart and style.
Flavorful Combos and Recipe Twists
There’s a lot of clever stuff happening in this game. Each punch bowl has a unique recipe that adds little twists—like extra ways to earn ice cubes, rules that reward certain fruit patterns, or new scoring quirks. Then there are card bonuses that push you toward creating specific combinations of fruit in your quadrant of the bowl. And don’t forget faction bonuses, which reward you if your favorite fruit (yes, you get a favorite) ends up being the special ingredient in a punch you win. I love how all these little systems layer together—it’s never overwhelming, but there’s always something interesting to think about.
The cat's meow:
"I’ve taste-tested every bowl. No tuna, no chicken, but I’ll allow it. The crunchy fruit bits are a nice touch." - Solo the Spokescat
Disclosure: Pudgy Cat Games was provided a copy of this game in exchange for a review, however, this review reflects the honest thoughts of the author.