The Jackbox Party Pack 9

Jackbox Party Pack 9 delivers the most powerful single entry since... I don't even know when! With one updated classic and four new games, it's a blast through and through.

Despite the limited drawing aspect, this is one of the most varied collections Jackbox Games has produced, and other than a few functionality issues with Junktopia. A lot of these packs see one or two games become party standards and the rest fade into obscurity, but this time around, I can see most if not all of the four brand-new games finding their niche as long-running titles, and it's nice to see Fibbage get its revival after so long. On top of that, every game now has a variety of content controls to keep responses as clean or dirty as you see fit, and they're also equipped with the option to turn off U.S.-centric questions, so there's no need to worry about unfair advantage based on geography and cultural upbringing. Anyone looking for casual laughs with a group of friends, whether from the same living room or spread across the globe, will find something to appreciate here.

Overall The Jackbox Party Pack 9 is an excellent addition to the series. There is definitely more good than bad in this edition and fans will be pleased. The only real missing piece is a strong drawing game; there is a round of drawing in Nonsensory, but it's not the focus and definitely doesn't hold a candle to past games like Tee K.O. or Jackbox 8's Drawful: Animate.

As an overall package, Jackbox Party Pack 9 is another hearty five-course meal of fun party games. Some games take a little time to grasp the concept or lack a certain pizazz, but there's the dependability of Fibbage 4, inventive format of Roomerang, and even the trivia game Quixort finds an interesting niche to tease your brain with. A good entry in the long-running series, but not quite an all-timer.

I enjoyed the Jackbox Party Pack 9, but I still think Pack 8 takes the golden crown, as it had completely original games. But, ah, well, it’s not so bad to have a fan-favorite make a return once in a while. My favorite of all the games was probably Quixort because of its minimalistic art style. Still, I can’t wait for what they have in store for the very-special Jackbox Party Pack 10 next year.

Overall, The Jackbox Party Pack 9 is average, so if you're looking for new material for virtual get-togethers, this is a serviceable option. Fibbage 4 is dependable, and Junktopia was a pleasant surprise. The enjoyment of Nonsensory and Quixort is heavily dependent on the prompts that players receive in each of those minigames. I can't imagine anyone willingly returning to Roomerang.