Item: Phrase Frenzy - Catch It!
Rating: 82
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

82/100

Phrase Frenzy - Catch It! is the definitive digital companion for any social gathering or game night. It successfully captures the high-energy 'Hot Potato' stress of classic party games like Catch Phrase and Taboo. The app's strength lies in its massive library—over 7,000 phrases across 10 categories—which ensures you won't see the same prompts twice in a single session. The interface is intentionally simple, allowing players to focus on the frantic yelling and gesturing rather than fumbling with buttons.

What makes it truly hilarious are the customizable buzzer sounds. There’s something uniquely funny about a round ending with the sound of a screaming person or a bleating sheep instead of a standard beep. The inclusion of a manual score editor is a thoughtful touch for those 'heated' family debates over whether a clue was legal or not. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it is a stable, well-designed, and highly portable version of a beloved party format that works perfectly on both iPhone and iPad.

Reviewed on: Sat Mar 09 2024

Dinsun Review

I’ve seen this song and dance before. Back in my day, we had a physical 'Catchphrase' disk that did exactly this without needing a software update or a battery charge. Phrase Frenzy attempts to digitize the group-timer dynamic, but it feels like a hollow shell of a social experience. The UI is functional but lacks any sort of aesthetic soul, feeling more like a utility app than a piece of entertainment software.

My main gripe is the lack of innovation. If I'm going to pull out my phone during a party—which is already a questionable social move—it should offer something the physical game can't. Here, you're just paying for word lists. It’s a derivative product that serves its purpose for a few minutes before everyone remembers why they preferred the physical version or just playing charades for free.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Simple interface
Decent variety of categories

Lacks original mechanics
Redundant if you own the physical game
Minimalist production value

Technical Report

Performance: Stable, runs on most legacy hardware without issues.

Accessibility:

Large Text

Audience Fit

Buy if: You forgot your physical party games and need a quick digital substitute.

Skip if: You value original game design or already own a literal timer.

Similar Games:

Heads Up!
Psych!
Catchphrase

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 13
Playtime: 3 hours
Status: Played through all categories

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

547805285

$1.99 13+★3.6 64 reviews

Author : Brain Rice Games, LLC

Pubish Date : Fri Aug 03 2012

Last Update Date : Wed Nov 15 2017

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.4Wed Nov 15 2017

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
*** New name, same great app!
*** Miscellaneous bug fixes
Phrase Frenzy will make any party fun! If you like word games and party games such as Taboo, Scattergories, Catch Phrase, 25 Words or Less or Guesstures, then you will love Phrase Frenzy!
In Phrase Frenzy, your iPhone, iTouch or iPad acts as a "hot potato" that is passed around from player to player. Get your team to guess the word or catchphrase as quickly as possible. Don't get stuck with the device when time runs out!
Features:
* More than 7,000 words and phrases
* Choose from 10 different categories, or choose Everything to use all of the words and phrases
* Each category uses our awesome no-repeat technology to guarantee that no word or phrase will be seen more than once before all of the words are seen
* Choose from 20 different buzzer sounds, from standard bells and buzzers to sheep, chimps, and people screaming
* High-res retina graphics for iPhone and iPad
Phrase Frenzy will turn any gathering of friends or family into an instant party!
Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Phrase Frenzy will make any party fun! If you like word games and party games such as Taboo, Scattergories, Catch Phrase, 25 Words or Less or Guesstures, then you will love Phrase Frenzy!
In Phrase Frenzy, your iPhone, iTouch or iPad acts as a "hot potato" that is passed around from player to player. Get your team to guess the word or catchphrase as quickly as possible. Don't get stuck with the device when time runs out!
Features:
* More than 7,000 words and phrases
* Choose from 10 different categories, or choose Everything to use all of the words and phrases
* Each category uses our awesome no-repeat technology to guarantee that no word or phrase will be seen more than once before all of the words are seen
* Choose from 20 different buzzer sounds, from standard bells and buzzers to sheep, chimps, and people screaming
* High-res retina graphics for iPhone and iPad
Phrase Frenzy will turn any gathering of friends or family into an instant party!

Ratings & Reviews

3.6 out of 5 with 64 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

Phrase Frenzy - Catch It! turns your iPhone or iPad into a high-stakes 'hot potato' for your next party. Similar to games like Taboo or Catch Phrase, the goal is to get your team to guess a word or phrase as quickly as possible so you can pass the device to the next player. With more than 7,000 phrases and 10 diverse categories, the game uses 'no-repeat' technology to keep content fresh. Customize your experience with 20 different buzzer sounds and high-resolution graphics, making it the perfect icebreaker for any social event.

Features

Over 7,000 unique phrases

No-repeat phrase technology

10 distinct categories plus 'Everything' mode

20 funny buzzer sounds (sheep, chimps, etc.)

Manual score editing

Tips

Setting Up for Success

Divide your group into two teams and sit in a circle, alternating players from each team. Choose the 'Everything' category for a chaotic mix, or select a specific category like 'Movies' to level the playing field for beginners.

Promotion Videos

Flushin' Frenzy Official TV Commercial | Mattel Games - YouTube

Gameplays

Passing the Potato

Once your team guesses the phrase, tap the screen to get a new one and immediately pass the device to the person on your right. The timer is random, so the speed of your clues is vital to avoid being the one holding the device when the buzzer sounds.