The Mad Magazine Game (1979) Board Game

The Mad Magazine Game was released in 1979 by Alga and is based on the popular satirical magazine, Mad Magazine. The game features artwork by Jack Burton Davis and Don Martin, capturing the wacky and humorous essence of the magazine. With a focus on acting out silly scenarios and rolling dice to move around the board, The Mad Magazine Game is a fun and chaotic party game for 2-4 players.

Game Components of The Mad Magazine Game

Game Box: Features Alfred E. Neuman on the front with art by Jack Davis.

Game Board: Includes 60 spaces filled with art from MAD Magazine artists like Don Martin, Sergio Aragones, and Jack Davis.

Player Tokens: 4 tokens (blue, green, red, and yellow).

Dice: 2 six-sided dice.

MAD Money: Bills in $500, $1000, $5000 denominations, and a single $1,329,063.00 bill.

Card Deck: 24 cards with various humorous and challenging instructions.

Instructions Sheet: Includes setup and gameplay rules.

How To Setup The Mad Magazine Game

To set up the game, each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point on the board. Each player receives a starting amount of MAD Money. The card deck is shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to play once all components are distributed and the board is laid out.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Roll-and-move mechanism using two six-sided dice.
– Players move counter-clockwise around the board.
– Rolling the dice must be done with the left hand; otherwise, a penalty is incurred.
– Players can gain, lose, or swap money based on the space they land on or the cards they draw.
– Physical challenges and humorous tasks are integrated into the gameplay through the card deck.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first player to lose all of their money.

Player Experience

The Mad Magazine Game offers a unique and humorous gaming experience that is true to the spirit of Mad Magazine. The game is filled with random and often absurd events, keeping players on their toes.

Pros

Humorous and Satirical: The game incorporates the signature humor of Mad Magazine, making it entertaining and light-hearted.

Physical Challenges: Some cards require players to perform physical tasks or act out certain behaviors, adding a fun and interactive element.

Simple to Learn: The gameplay mechanics are straightforward, making it easy for players of various ages to understand and play.

Cons

Repetitive Gameplay: The game can become repetitive, with many cards leading to the same outcomes (gaining, losing, or swapping money).

Limited Depth: The gameplay is relatively shallow and lacks the complexity that some players might prefer.

Lazy in Its Repetitiveness: Some players find the humor and challenges to be repetitive and not as engaging as other games.

Personal Thoughts on The Mad Magazine Game

This game is ideal for those who enjoy light-hearted, humorous, and slightly subversive entertainment. It is a great introduction to board games for younger players and can evoke fond memories for those who grew up with Mad Magazine. However, for players seeking more complex or strategic gameplay, this might not be the best fit.

The Mad Magazine Game is perfect for a casual game night where the focus is on fun and laughter rather than intense competition or deep strategy. Despite its repetitive nature, it captures the essence of Mad Magazine’s humor and can be an enjoyable addition to any board game collection.

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.