Players are junior chemists mixing compounds in an experimental laboratory. The more volatile the compound, the more it helps in research, but too much volatility can lead to disaster. A fire would be unfortunate, as there is a library not too far away...
Explosion in the Laboratory is a push-your-luck microgame in which you mix chemicals into compounds to score points for both Intuition and Research. The player with the highest combined point total when the game ends wins!
Player Count: 1-4
Playtime: 20 minutes
Age Range: 8+
Weight: Light
“We loved the clever mechanism that drove this game. It gave us Fire in the Library vibes, in a smaller, travel-friendly game. If you like push-your-luck games, and/or micro games, this will be right up your alley!” - Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews
"Explosion in the Library is an exciting mixture of clever gameplay, fun combos, and push your luck! This is a fantastic 18 card successor to Fire in the Library. Fill your beakers and cross your fingers!" - AnnaMaria Jackson-Phelps, Violet Daisy Games
"This is kind of like a prequel; this is what causes the fire in the library. I love that! I love the concept, [and] that they created this backstory for the previous game." - Legends Of Nerdvana
"A Unique way of doing push-your-luck that keeps a non-gamer engaged and excited." - Sam Goodwin, Love2Hate
“The push your luck mechanic within this game is too much fun! Who doesn't want to explode chemicals in a lab?” - Megan Hills, Board Games, Paint & Handstands
"It's a thinky push-your-luck game that you can take anywhere!" - BJ, Board Game Gumbo
"Explosion in the Laboratory is a fun push-your-luck hot potato of a game to feast your ey...hands on." - Aaron, GameEnthus
"We had a lot of fun, and it was exciting till the finish as we weren't sure how things were going to turn out until the last flip of a card!" - Lance & Sam Goodwin, Love2Hate
"A cute, quick-playing, push-your-luck 27-card game tiny enough to slip in your pocket or in your purse. Seriously, it's tiny!... I love this little game." - Rachel Carpenter, Herald Selenay
“I loved how all of the cards in the game worked together. You are constantly rotating, shuffling, and utilizing cards to create science within the lab to earn more points than your opponents. All cards truly have a purpose within this game.” - Megan Hills, Board Games, Paint & Handstands
"It's something you play in 5, 10, 15 minutes... a quick filler while you're
waiting for something, and it's fun!" - Legends Of Nerdvana
“I'm very much intrigued because I like the fact that you're going to a card style. I love the idea that you're actually having it then lead to Fire in the Library, that's really neat!” - Chris, The Charity BoardGamer
"This game has surprisingly a lot of depth for a microgame with just a handful of cards." - Lance Goodwin, Love2Hate
"I love push your luck games, and Explosion in the Laboratory hits the mark in a game small enough to fit in my belt bag! It was my go-to solo game all summer long: being played with morning coffee, poolside, and during my lunch break at summer PDs. Portable push your luck, yes please!" - May, Ameritrashtalk
"Simple, push your luck; these are a great combination for a pocket game to share with other people!" - Christopher, Board Again Games
“A game with explosions and science that can fit in your pocket to bring anywhere?! Count me in.” - Megan Hills, Board Games, Paint & Handstands
"It's dangerous! I can already smell the library, yes it starts... you might want to make your final selections and leave the library at this time! So, if I get another red, all goes boom boom!" - Legends Of Nerdvana
"It's small, compact, and fits in your pocket. It works very well at two and it's a real good game for kids. Take it with you when you go to a restaurant or while you are waiting for things." - Will, Gettin' Jiggly Wit It
"I'm glad I'm already backing this, this is fun!" - Christian Strain, The Full 42
“I like that you have symbols on the different colors so that way people that are colorblind have something that they can actually use [as] a visual cue!" - Chris, The Charity BoardGamer
"Explosion in the Laboratory is an awesome little push-your-luck game that fits in your pocket and offers a lot of complexity for its size." - Bert Schepler, Bert's Tabletop Games
Corey is a software architect by day and game designer by night. He formed Concept Medley Games with Donnie Coleman in 2019 when they launched their first Kickstarter together for Capital Vices. Corey's other interests include stunt kite flying, building battle bots, and time travel media (all ended up being themes for games he designed!).
You can find Corey at the following locations:
Carla is the lead designer, developer, and art director of Weird Giraffe Games. Carla is also a software engineer, with a Masters in Electrical Engineering, and loves to work with electrical and other hobby projects when she's not working on games. She's an introvert, has narcolepsy, and almost always chooses green when it's an option.
You can find Carla at the following locations:
