Mada (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Mada is a card game designed by Sophia Wagner and published by Helvetiq in in 2022. The game is set in the African savannah and revolves around players collecting animal cards to score points.

Game Components of Mada

A deck of cards featuring numerical values and special cards (Lemur, Double Lemur, Scorpion)

Cards with prickly pears (cacti) that serve as scoring elements

Player hands and discard piles

How To Setup Mada

Setting up Mada is straightforward. Shuffle the deck and deal three cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face down on the table. This simple setup ensures the game is ready to play quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to collect the most prickly pears by avoiding being the player who loses a round.

Player Turn: Choose to either play a card, draw a card, or try your luck.
– Play a card: Must match or exceed the number of the current top card.
– Draw a card: Only if you have fewer than three cards in your hand.
– Try your luck: Draw a card blind from the deck; if it doesn’t meet the number requirement, you lose the round.

Special Cards:

Lemur: Moves the top card of your pile to the bottom.

Double Lemur: Swap your pile with another player’s pile.

Scorpion: Discard the Scorpion and another card from your hand immediately.

Round End: When a player loses, other players take the top card from their pile and place it in their winnings pile. The losing player must keep all their hand cards.

Game End: The game ends when a player has five cards in their winnings pile. The player with the most prickly pears on these cards wins.

Player Experience

Mada is a game that deceptively packs a lot of fun into its simple rules. The push-your-luck element and the use of special cards add a layer of excitement and unpredictability. Games are fast-paced, lasting about 20 minutes, making it an excellent filler game. The surprise moments, such as late deck switches or drawing a high card blind, create a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple setup and rules make it accessible to players of all ages (7+).

Fast-paced: Games are quick, ideal for light play sessions.

Interactive: Special cards and the ability to affect other players’ piles add a fun social element.

Portability: Comes in a small box, easy to carry around.

Cons

Less Engaging with Few Players: The game is more enjoyable with four or five players, as it becomes more unpredictable and engaging.

Luck-based: The reliance on luck can be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Mada

Mada is an excellent choice for families or groups looking for a light, fun game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a bit of risk-taking and the thrill of unexpected turns. While it may not be the best fit for players who prefer strategic games with minimal luck, Mada shines as a casual, entertaining addition to any game collection.

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