Manga Manga (2004) Board Game

Manga Manga is a card game that was released in 2004 and designed by Alvin Madden, Michael Menzel, Anke Pohl, and Thilo Rick. The game is published by multiple companies such as 999 Games, KOSMOS, SimplyFun, and Überplay. It falls under the category of card games and is designed for 2-6 players, with the best player count being 2. The game has a quick runtime of 30 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Manga Manga

80 cards

18 disks

1 rulebook

How To Setup Manga Manga

To set up Manga Manga, each player is dealt 6 cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile in the center of the table. The dealer flips over the top card of the draw pile, shouting “Action Power!” to initiate the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Speed card game, simultaneous play

Objective: To have the most victory points after 9 rounds by emptying your hand of cards before your opponents.

Key Mechanics:
– Players play cards simultaneously based on the shield color of the last card played.
– Rainbow Dragon cards act as wild cards and allow the player to choose the next color.
– No player can play two cards in a row.
– The round ends when one player plays all their cards, and that player receives a victory disk.
– Consolation disks are awarded to players with the most cards remaining in their hand, providing advantages such as discarding cards or exchanging cards.

Player Experience

Manga Manga is a game that relies heavily on quick reflexes and matching card colors. It is designed for children, particularly in the 6-10 year old demographic, and is part of the Uberplay Small Box series. The game’s theme, inspired by manga comics, adds a fun element but is somewhat superficial and does not significantly impact the gameplay.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game has simple rules and is quick to understand.

Fast-Paced: The simultaneous play mechanism makes the game exciting and rapid.

Innovative Components: The victory and consolation disks introduce an element of fairness and strategy.

Fun Theme: The manga-inspired artwork and “Action Power!” shoutouts enhance the game’s appeal.

Cons

Lack of Depth: The gameplay is largely reflex-based and random, lacking strategic depth.

Theme Integration: The manga theme is not well-integrated into the gameplay, feeling somewhat tacked on.

Limited Originality: The game is very similar to other card games in the Crazy Eights family, offering little innovation.

Personal Thoughts on Manga Manga

Manga Manga is a decent, albeit average, card game that is best suited for children or families looking for a light, fun experience. It is not recommended for those seeking complex gameplay or strategy, but it can provide enjoyment for those who enjoy speed-based card games. If you already have a similar game, there is little reason to purchase Manga Manga, but if you find it at a low price and are looking for a simple, fast-paced game, it might be worth considering.

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