Mandragora (2021) Board Game

Mandragora is a fantasy card game designed by Pierô and released in in 2021. The game is set in a magical world where players take on the role of alchemists trying to brew the most potent potions using mystical ingredients like mandrake roots and dragon scales.

Game Components of Mandragora

10 Shop tiles

1 Assistant figure

1 Curse marker

1 End of Game marker

106 cards, including spell cards, ingredient cards, and cursed scrolls

1 rule book

How To Setup Mandragora

To set up the game, lay out the ten shop tokens in a circle in any order. Note the three shops with a darker background and the one with the dimpled edge. Place one card face up by each shop, and face down for the three shops with the darker color. The remaining cards go into a face-down stack in the middle of the shops. Next to the shop with the dimple, place the assistant standee. Then, lay out the spell cards into their separate piles, numbered one to five. Finally, place the Curse and Countdown marker nearby.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Move the assistant one, two, or three spaces clockwise, taking the cards in the space the assistant finishes in and placing another card from the draw pile into each space the assistant passed through.

Casting Spells: Use cards in your hand to cast spells by combining one spell card with one to five ingredient cards of the same color.

Spell Powers: Spells can get rid of bad cards, take extra turns, move the assistant an extra space, or get rid of cards at the end of the game.

Curse Management: Beware of cursed scrolls, as having the most curse cards at the end of the game will lose you two points.

Objective: Collect and use magical items to cast spells, earn points, and avoid curses to become the most powerful sorcerer.

Player Experience

Mandragora is a fast, fun, and family-friendly game that plays very quickly, often in under 30 minutes. The game is highly accessible, with turns taking only a matter of seconds. Players must decide whether to complete lots of little spells or aim for fewer but more powerful ones. The game’s bright and vibrant art, along with easily distinguishable colors and icons, add a nice layer of polish.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games can be completed in 16-30 minutes.

Accessible: Easy to understand and play, making it suitable for children aged 8 and above.

Colorful Art: Bright and varied art on the cards enhances the game’s visual appeal.

Family-Friendly: A great option for families looking for a fun, light-hearted game.

Cons

Lack of Strategy: The game’s quick pace and limited deck can make it difficult to implement meaningful strategy.

Take-That Mechanic: The inclusion of curse cards can introduce a competitive element that may not be suitable for all younger players.

Personal Thoughts on Mandragora

Mandragora is perfect for families or casual gamers looking for a light, enjoyable experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate quick games with simple mechanics but still offer some engaging moments. However, players seeking deep strategy or longer game sessions might find Mandragora a bit too straightforward. Overall, it’s a charming game that brings a touch of magical fun to the table.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.