Its kinda like Dungeons and Dragons mixed with the humour of worms/popular geek references. Its the kind of family/friends game I think you could play with almost anyone. Since you are using random decks, no two games are truely the same. An added benefit to the card-style is that setup and packup are quick, I find that game length can vary hugely depending on luck and the boldness of your moves.
You are intially under the impression you are working together, until a prior turns ally slaps down a +10 on a monster you just walked into. Unlike a game like Settlers of Catan ( passive agressive ppl rejoice ) you can really harm a fellow player quite horribly in the early game. The flip side is that its likely another suffering ally will team up with you, where you both benefit.
The game does take a few minutes to explain to a new comer, and you do end up making a few mistakes while getting to know the cards. Sometimes items get used when infact they shouldn't, sometimes you forget to use a card when almost losing a combat.
The best aspect is that the game kinda allows for mistakes and the rules are solid, but flexible too. I've found since I bought the game, I kinda become the default rules interpreter as well, situations do arise, but its easy to just make a fair call and move on.
Overall I'd suggest this to the casual or family gamer, its probably a little silly or fun for the hardcore gamer. I'd rate this a beer and pizza game or a family game through and through. One things for sure, you WILL play it often and you will laugh ( my gender crossed, half elf, half dwarf, warrior cleric says so!)
Since the game is that fun, I ended up purchasing the expansion from Mighty Ape also!
Note: it does say 12+ somewhere on the box, but my 8 year old loves it!