I bought this last year but my daughter is just really enjoying it now.  It took a couple of minutes to figure out but then it is easy.  So far we've only played with the two (of us) but I imagine it will be even more fun with more people. As with most 1-off card games, you COULD use a regular deck of cards - you are paying for the "rules of the game" (and of course the cute rats and cats).