Super Mario: Level Up! Board Game (2017) Board Game

Super Mario: Level Up! Board Game was released in 2017 and is based on the popular Super Mario video game franchise. It is designed for 3-6 players and is recommended for ages 8 and up. The game incorporates elements of bluffing, deduction, racing, and has a video game theme. The main mechanism in the game is voting, where players must strategically vote to move their characters up the board.

Game Components of Super Mario: Level Up Board Game

Game Board: A 3D board representing the Mushroom Kingdom with 10 levels.

Character Tokens: 13 cardboard cutout pieces of Mario characters (e.g., Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser).

Line Up Cards: Each player gets a card showing 6 characters they score points for.

Voting Cards: “Yes” and “No” cards for voting on character placement.

? Block Tokens: Tokens with various effects, such as extra movement or power-ups.

Power Up Cards: Special cards that can be used to influence gameplay (e.g., 1-Up, Warp Pipe, Goomba).

Block Tokens: Used to fill empty spaces on the board.

How To Setup Super Mario: Level Up Board Game

To set up the game, players first construct the 3D game board with its 10 levels. Each player draws a Line Up card, which shows the 6 characters they will score points for, and receives a set of voting cards (one “Yes” card and several “No” cards depending on the number of players). The ? Block tokens are shuffled and placed face down on the board, and the Power Up cards are placed in a draw deck. Players then take turns placing their characters on levels 1 through 4, ensuring no level has more than 4 characters.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Score the most points over three rounds by strategically placing and moving characters up the board.

Placement Phase: Players place their characters on levels 1 through 4.

Movement Phase: Players move one character up one level per turn, interacting with ? Block tokens and Power Up cards.

Voting Phase: When a character reaches the top level, players vote to determine if the character stays or is removed.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the final position of characters on each player’s Line Up card.

Player Experience

Super Mario: Level Up is designed for families and younger players, offering a simple yet engaging gameplay experience. The game is light-hearted and easy to understand, making it accessible to children as young as 5 years old. The addition of ? Block tokens and Power Up cards introduces randomness and strategic elements, keeping the game interesting for both young and older players. However, the game may become repetitive by the third round, making it less appealing for adult game nights.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for young children and families.

Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and play.

Strategic Depth: Bluffing and strategic movement add engagement.

Randomness: ? Block tokens and Power Up cards add surprises.

Iconic Characters: Uses beloved Super Mario characters.

Cons

Repetitive: Gameplay can become repetitive by the third round.

Limited Strategic Oomph: Not suitable for serious gamers or adult game nights.

Few Votes: Limited number of “No” votes can be strategically challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Super Mario: Level Up Board Game

Super Mario: Level Up is an excellent choice for families with young children, providing a fun and interactive way to spend time together. The game’s simple mechanics and use of iconic Mario characters make it very appealing to a younger audience. While it may not offer the depth that serious gamers seek, it is a great introduction to board games and can be a delightful addition to any family game night. However, for adults looking for more complex gameplay, this might not be the best fit.

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.