2016 English First Edition (*Review Copy)
Published by: Steve Jackson Games & USAopoly
# of Players: 3 to 6
Published by: Steve Jackson Games & USAopoly
# of Players: 3 to 6
Munchkin is a game I believe most people will play in their lifetime in some form. There are many variations from fantasy, super hero, sci fi and horror themes. I have played several of those versions and when I first got into gaming I really enjoyed Munchkin, but then it started to wear thin on me. To me it seems like every year a new theme of Munchkin is coming out and not much has changed in terms of game play. Then one day I saw the news about USAopoly working with Steve Jackson Games to put out a Marvel edition of Munchkin. The gamer in me, was hesitant due to it being another Munchkin game, but the comic book part of me wanted to see the Marvel adaptation. What does the Marvel license do to Munchkin the game? Is it a pasted on theme or is there more to it?
Does it work with other Munchkin games? The answer to these questions and more will be discussed as I give you my take on Munchkin Marvel.
Does it work with other Munchkin games? The answer to these questions and more will be discussed as I give you my take on Munchkin Marvel.
Gameplay
In this section I will go over the basic rules of Munchkin Marvel. If you already know how to play Munchkin, I recommend skipping to the next section where I talk about the differences. In Munchkin Marvel, players start at rank 1 and are trying to defeat evil behind the door to go up to rank 10. The first to do so wins the game. Players will start off with 4 cards from the door and treasure decks each. Players can play cards to add equipment, powers, allies and affiliations. These will add bonuses and abilities for when you face evil. On a player's turn they will flip over the top card of the door deck. If it is an enemy they will try to beat it based on their total strength (rank plus any card bonuses) from what number the monster level is. For example if you are rank 3 and have 8 bonus from played equipment and the enemy is rank 5. You will defeat the enemy by a score of 11 to 5. Before you defeat an enemy players have the opportunity to help the enemy by playing cards that will boost his number or cause a different effect. If you are too weak to defeat the enemy, you can ask the other players for help offering them treasure or the kindness of their heart. If that does not work you can run away by discarding an ally or rolling a 5 or better on a 6 sided die. If that all fails, then you will face bad stuff from the card that could cost you ranks, equipment or make you start new. If you do not draw an enemy from the door deck you may draw another door card into your hand or play an enemy from your hand and fight that one. If you defeat an enemy you will get the amount of treasure cards stated on the enemy card and at least go up one rank. You can buy ranks by selling 1000 gold worth of treasure cards to go up a rank. You can not do this for your last rank. Once a person reaches rank 10 the game is over.
In this section I will go over the basic rules of Munchkin Marvel. If you already know how to play Munchkin, I recommend skipping to the next section where I talk about the differences. In Munchkin Marvel, players start at rank 1 and are trying to defeat evil behind the door to go up to rank 10. The first to do so wins the game. Players will start off with 4 cards from the door and treasure decks each. Players can play cards to add equipment, powers, allies and affiliations. These will add bonuses and abilities for when you face evil. On a player's turn they will flip over the top card of the door deck. If it is an enemy they will try to beat it based on their total strength (rank plus any card bonuses) from what number the monster level is. For example if you are rank 3 and have 8 bonus from played equipment and the enemy is rank 5. You will defeat the enemy by a score of 11 to 5. Before you defeat an enemy players have the opportunity to help the enemy by playing cards that will boost his number or cause a different effect. If you are too weak to defeat the enemy, you can ask the other players for help offering them treasure or the kindness of their heart. If that does not work you can run away by discarding an ally or rolling a 5 or better on a 6 sided die. If that all fails, then you will face bad stuff from the card that could cost you ranks, equipment or make you start new. If you do not draw an enemy from the door deck you may draw another door card into your hand or play an enemy from your hand and fight that one. If you defeat an enemy you will get the amount of treasure cards stated on the enemy card and at least go up one rank. You can buy ranks by selling 1000 gold worth of treasure cards to go up a rank. You can not do this for your last rank. Once a person reaches rank 10 the game is over.
What is different and new for the Marvel Edition
Munchkin Marvel plays almost exactly like the previous editions of Munchkin. The first difference is that you start off with a unique Shield power specific to your player card. For example the tech agent gives you a +1 combat bonus to your hand equipment. Instead of sidekicks, players will now be able to recruit allies like the Hulk and Hawkeye. Instead of classes or races, players will be able to play a card that affiliates them with a superhero team like the Avengers. I actually thought the theme is the strongest I have seen from any Munchkin game. Players are trying to get to rank 10 in Shield, which lets them become the director. Players can also get super powers of their own, but can only equip up their current rank. The box has an insert so your cards will stay in the proper decks. Everything else is the same but with Marvel polish.
Munchkin Marvel plays almost exactly like the previous editions of Munchkin. The first difference is that you start off with a unique Shield power specific to your player card. For example the tech agent gives you a +1 combat bonus to your hand equipment. Instead of sidekicks, players will now be able to recruit allies like the Hulk and Hawkeye. Instead of classes or races, players will be able to play a card that affiliates them with a superhero team like the Avengers. I actually thought the theme is the strongest I have seen from any Munchkin game. Players are trying to get to rank 10 in Shield, which lets them become the director. Players can also get super powers of their own, but can only equip up their current rank. The box has an insert so your cards will stay in the proper decks. Everything else is the same but with Marvel polish.
Final Thoughts
Munchkin Marvel sticks pretty close to the path that has kept the Munchkin series popular. I still feel their is the issue of people gaining up on a player who is about to win and it basically comes down to who comes against an enemy after all the players have already used every card they had to stop other players. Also I feel there is still that strong possibility of one person getting lucky with card draws and snow balling their way to victory. Besides those issues, Munchkin Marvel does bring great art on the cards and the addition of player boards is very nice. The theme of trying to become the director of Shield gives a nice story to the game. I may be worn out a little on Munchkin in general, but if I were to choose to play an edition, it would be this one. You can combine Munchkin Marvel with other editions to make a Super Munchkin game, if that is something you enjoy. I find this set works very well on it's own. Munchkin Marvel will be my version of Munchkin that I enjoy and would recommend this to anyone that is a fan of Marvel comic books.
Munchkin Marvel sticks pretty close to the path that has kept the Munchkin series popular. I still feel their is the issue of people gaining up on a player who is about to win and it basically comes down to who comes against an enemy after all the players have already used every card they had to stop other players. Also I feel there is still that strong possibility of one person getting lucky with card draws and snow balling their way to victory. Besides those issues, Munchkin Marvel does bring great art on the cards and the addition of player boards is very nice. The theme of trying to become the director of Shield gives a nice story to the game. I may be worn out a little on Munchkin in general, but if I were to choose to play an edition, it would be this one. You can combine Munchkin Marvel with other editions to make a Super Munchkin game, if that is something you enjoy. I find this set works very well on it's own. Munchkin Marvel will be my version of Munchkin that I enjoy and would recommend this to anyone that is a fan of Marvel comic books.
Taco gives Munchkin Marvel a rating of...
7.0 out of 10
Pros:
+Marvel theme works very well
+ Comic book art and style
+Player boards
+Players have unique powers
Cons:
- If you do not like Munchkin, I doubt this will change your mind
- Gaining up on person who is about to win
- Players can steamroll to victory
-Deadpool is a promo and not in the base game! (available at conventions)
Pros:
+Marvel theme works very well
+ Comic book art and style
+Player boards
+Players have unique powers
Cons:
- If you do not like Munchkin, I doubt this will change your mind
- Gaining up on person who is about to win
- Players can steamroll to victory
-Deadpool is a promo and not in the base game! (available at conventions)
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