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Maul of America (1998) Board Game

ByMichail

Maul of America is a board game released in 1998 that combines elements of fighting, horror, and zombies. Designed by Steve Bryant and published by Jolly Roger Games, it has become a cult classic among board game enthusiasts. With a runtime of 120 minutes and recommended for players aged 12 and up, Maul of America offers a unique gameplay experience with its dice rolling and modular board mechanics.

Game Components of Maul of America

  • Mapboards:** 4 double-sided 11′ by 17′ boards that can be configured in various ways.
  • Game Pieces:** 25 zombie pieces and 5 shopper pieces.
  • Cards:** 3 decks of cards.
  • Dice:** 2 dice.
  • Rules:** Included in the game package.

    How To Setup Maul of America

    To set up the game, players first assemble the mapboards to create the zombie-infested shopping mall. Each player chooses a shopper piece, and one player takes on the role of the zombie controller. The zombie player places the zombie pieces according to the rules, while the other players place their shopper pieces at designated starting points. The decks of cards and dice are then ready for use.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:** Players move on a square grid superimposed on the board, trying to avoid zombies. One player controls all zombies, while the others control shoppers.
  • Game Objective:** Shoppers must find one piece of each kind of equipment and escape the mall before being overwhelmed by zombies.

    Player Experience

    In Maul of America, the gameplay is dynamic and filled with tension. The zombie player has a significant advantage, often leading to a B-movie style scenario where the zombies frequently win. Human players must navigate the mall, gathering equipment while avoiding the ever-increasing number of zombies. The game’s theme includes elements of humor, such as the presence of a food court, but this humor may not be to everyone’s taste.

    Pros

  • Thematic Fun:** The game captures the essence of zombie apocalypse movies with its mall setting and zombie hordes.
  • Social Interaction:** It encourages interaction between players, especially the zombie player versus the shoppers.
  • Variability:** The configurable mapboards offer different scenarios each time the game is played.

    Cons

  • Balance Issues:** The game is heavily skewed in favor of the zombie player, which can be frustrating for the shoppers.
  • Component Quality:** The components are sometimes seen as cheap and not worth the original price point of $35.
  • Replay Value:** The repetitive nature of zombie spawn mechanics can make the game feel less engaging over time.

    Personal Thoughts on Maul of America

    Maul of America is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, thematic board games with a touch of horror. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a casual, beer-and-pretzels gaming experience. However, due to its balance issues and component quality, it may not appeal to serious gamers or those seeking more complex strategies. If you can find it at a discounted price, it might be worth a try, but be prepared for some potential house rule adjustments to enhance the gameplay experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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