Mall Madness (1988) Board Game

Mall Madness is a classic board game that was first released in 1988 by Milton Bradley. The game is designed for 2 players and is suitable for children aged 7 and above. In Mall Madness, players take on the role of shoppers navigating a virtual mall to complete various shopping objectives.

Game Components of Mall Madness

Game board representing a two-story shopping mall

Electronic computer with voice announcements

Instruction manual

Six plastic wall pieces

Four rubber pads to prevent wall pieces from slipping

Four cardboard shopping lists

Two sale signs and one clearance sign

Eight plastic pawns (two for each color: red, blue, yellow, and green)

Forty plastic pegs for marking shopping lists

Paper money (color-coded for the game)

Four cardboard credit cards

29 pieces of cardboard to hold the game board together.

How To Setup Mall Madness

To set up the game, players need to assemble the mall by attaching the plastic wall pieces and rubber pads. Each player receives a shopping list and $150 in game money, distributed as one $50 bill, three $20 bills, three $10 bills, and two $5 bills. In later editions, the starting money is $200. Players also get a credit card each. The electronic computer is placed in the center of the board, ready to guide gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Be the first player to purchase six items on the shopping list and return to the parking lot or final destination.

Player Movement: Players move horizontally or vertically, directed by the electronic computer’s random space announcements.

Store Navigation: Players can only enter stores through the doors, not the walls.

Purchases: Items are bought using credit cards and cash, with sales and clearances announced by the electronic computer.

Banking: Players use the computer’s banking feature and pay the banker in cash after making purchases.

Restrictions: Players cannot return to a store once they have made a purchase there.

Player Experience

Playing Mall Madness is an engaging and fast-paced experience, simulating a shopping spree in a virtual mall. The electronic voice and random movements add an element of surprise, while the need to manage money and take advantage of sales keeps players strategic. The game is designed to be enjoyable for a younger demographic but can be fun for anyone nostalgic for 80s and 90s mall culture.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: The electronic voice and random movements keep the game exciting.

Teaches Money Management: Players learn to manage their money and make judicious purchases.

Variety of Versions: Multiple editions and special versions (like Hannah Montana and Littlest Pet Shop) offer different gameplay experiences.

Nostalgic Value: For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, it’s a nostalgic trip back to mall culture.

Cons

Controversy Over Spending: Criticized for promoting high-interest credit card spending and consumerism.

Complex Setup: Assembling the game board can be time-consuming.

Limited Replayability: Once the shopping list is memorized, the game may lose its challenge.

Personal Thoughts on Mall Madness

Mall Madness is ideal for families and younger players who enjoy simulation games and are looking for a fun, interactive way to learn about money management. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking complex strategy, it offers a light-hearted and entertaining experience that combines the thrill of shopping with the excitement of a board game. For collectors, the vintage versions can be a nostalgic treasure, and the recent re-releases ensure it remains accessible to new generations of players.

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