Munchkin Mayhem Mat: Review

Munchkin Mayhem Mat: Review

Information:

Mechanics: Expansion, Variable Player Abilities

Publisher: Steve Jackson Games

Disclaimer: A review copy for the game was provided by the publisher.

Objective:

The ‘Munchkin Mayhem’ silicon mat adds a new layer to any munchkin game. Firstly, players can keep track of their level in a visually pleasing way. Player markers do not come with the mat so each player must use something that represents them. Secondly, and most importantly, the mat adds a bonus upon every level gain that can be used continuously while the player is at that level. When levelling up, players can choose between two pathways that each have a bonus (think of a skill tree), so not every player will have the same game experience.

How to Play:

Every player will find a game piece to represent them and begin on level one in the centre of the mat. For the rest of the game, whenever a player gains a level they will move from the space they are on to an adjacent arc in the next level arc going outwards. Each of these arcs has a different bonus that will only be available for use while the player is on that arc. Some bonuses are simple such as: +1 to combat, less gold needed to be spent to level up, or plus one when running away. Some bonuses are more complex such as: once per turn you can discard a door card to draw a treasure card, or cheat one item.

There are two exceptions to how the mat works. First, if a player uses a ‘gain a level’ card then they can go to any arc on the next level, and second when a player goes down a level they can move to any arc in that new level.

Final Thoughts:

Pros:
- Makes munchkin a faster game.
- Adds an interesting skill tree element that has you planning ahead to gain the bonuses you want.
- It is a playmat that can be used to track every players level.

Cons:
- It only contains the mat so you will need a player piece for each player.

'Munchkin Mat of Mayhem' adds an enhancement to any game of munchkin that will result in players having a new layer to mitigate and plan ahead. However, like any game of munchkin, players need to be versatile others will hinder whenever the opportunity presents itself. This does allow players to come up with new strategies though as you can change your bonus pathway when forced to go down levels.
If you own and play multiple copies of munchkin then this expansion is a no brainer as it can be used anytime by any munchkin.

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