Ah, the internet, proving daily that the best way to cause a flame-war is to diss something that's popular. Why can't people ever disagree in a civil manner?
As for my opinion, I love Munchkin, and I play it with my family multiple times a week. Yes, there is much luck in the game, but you also need to be smart enough to know when and how to work with others and when to backstab, so with the right group there is PLENTY of strategy. Still, Tom is free to have his own opinion.
You missed the point of the game, which is not strategy, but laughs. And, in that area, it is quite successful. Also, it is a simple entry level game. Granted, I do not want to play the game every day. But, once in a while, it is the perfect choice. In that respect, I think that your review was a misfire.
You might as well have said Pandemic is a crummy game because it does not have a lot of laughs. But, that is not the type of game Pandemic is supposed to be.
@pupsenok What is this a "entry level game" to? What types of games, that is? I am trying to find a good variety of games to get while not spending too much money (maybe on a select few, though). So far I have Quarriors, Dominion and Tide of Iron. I just got Quarriors and Dominion but they're both deck/dice building games. Tide of Iron I've never played because I didn't have people to play with.
Advice is welcome. I don't mind a little RPing, but I prefer numbers and tactics more.
It is a simple themed card game. The card rules may not be great, but they are not overly complex. It is thus an entry level game to board games, and themed card games in particular. It is not a direct precursor to anything. Depending on the theme, it is only vaguely related to other games, like Munchkin to fantasy role playing (like D&D) or Munchkin Chthulhu to Arkham Horror. I played it a couple of times and laughed, but that was enough for me.
@pupsenok I got ya. I don't mind a little silliness (hence Quarriors), but I do want to invest in a game with longevity. I don't mind complex games either (trying to get that newer Mage Knight board game). The world of board/dice/card gaming is vast. Unfortunately I think the resource I have even less than money is time :P Oh well, might as well buy now and have them for the future :D
No, this is not a game that you will be playing night after night with joy. It is good for a couple of snorts and giggles (with those who are already familiar with the theme in question) and maybe introducing themed card games to a newbie. But, that is it.
A much better card game is Fluxx. And, for board games, I like Castle Panic and Cosmic Encounter and the Amazing Labyrinth and Mansions of Madness and a variety of games that I can play many times.
However, most of all, I play Dungeons and Dragons (original AD&D) with the same group of friends for the past 31 years. For a lot of games, it depends on taste. But, some are good but wear out quickly, regardless of taste, like Munchkins. And, others blow chunks after the first game, like Monopoly.
I love your reviews, Tom, and I think this one is very well analyzed, but at the same time, Munchkin is one of my all-time favorite games.
It could be due to the group I play it with, but I have never seen a game that leads to as much emergent diplomacy as this one. From unions and protection rackets to organized resistances and formal diplomatic relations, nearly every game I've been in has involved some extremely in-depth negotiations. With the right group, this game really is golden.
this is a great game series with tons of versions to change it up and add ons to make it crazy fun. you can get counters for cheap cheap.. i think 8 bucks for 8 counters. that go to 99
i own 3 versions of it vampire zombie and this pirate and each is addictively fun im sorry this guy an others dont understand how to use strategie. everything is situational i mean.
I get that you don't like the game, but what draws most people to the Munchkins series (I'm referring to the 1st now) is the humour and there is a little more strategy that you hinted in your video: trying to keep a low level monster for your last lvl up, the sometimes hilarious card pile ups that happen (ex: Ancient-Giant-Egg from Hell; initially a level one monster becoming a lvl 19), gaging what you sell for lvl vs the events you want to protect yourself from (ie loaded die, potion to flee...
it designed to be combined with other boxes. so you can have space cowboys and get a ship add on deck to give everyone ships and stuff i find this game to be hileriously fun in groups. its quick easy and addictive since you spend your time kickin your friends around.
I cant agree with u more check out munckin quest u actualli c the dungen ur in and it has nifty level counter! I sugest u check it out and review it! Great review.
Tom I a big board game player.And I cant agree with you more! The Munchkin card games can get old.I found a better way the enjoy this comicle aspect of the game is by playing munchkin quest! It takes the basic munchkin card game and turns it into a boad game wich is what caught my intrest(before i read the review i thought great another munchkinn card game). Youll find that steve jackson makes decent borad game.You get monster standies to go with every monster cad and thos nifty level Counters
I agree with Tom here... the game is one of my WORST game purchases ever, I bought this because I was with my 6 year old daughter in the boardgame shop. She thought it would be fun so I gave in, But it turns out its just not fun, and just plain boring. I would say, when with a group you can find much much better games... card games like Kutschfahrt zur Teufelsberg (Coach Ride to the Devil's Castle) are vastly superior with very nice mechanisms and superb artwork.
Hmm...I disagree on Munchkin being a bad game, but agree on some of your critic though. But I think you ignored the cooperative element of the game, this have always led to funny situations when I played it. It gives plenty of opportunity for backstabbing or forming alliances.
Holy cow the Munchkin brigade really came out in defense of their game! I think my favorite comment was "You're just a fastidious bigwig."
As someone who owns two types of Munchkin and Munchkin Quest I can entirely sympathize with Tom. The game is too expensive (unless you get it at Borders with 40% off coupons), too luck-y, and most importantly TOO DAMN LONG. When you get 6 players involved you're looking at 2 hours easy. Ugh. Play it with 3 or 4 or don't play it. Or just don't play it.
I see what you mean about it not seeming like you get much for your money and this stems out in to the expantion packs too.However the fun of playing as people have said is from playing with likeminded people and progressing your stratergy...
Yes it is mostly luck on what cards you get but it is about holing on to the cards to fully screw someone over and shoot in to victory!!!
Will you ever do munchkin quest? Even though it has the same system it has more to it. Also, just a note, the manual is TERRIBLE, but please don't base your experience on it solely.
the review isn't bad.. but you just need to understand that the fun about munchkin is how you handle certain situations.. you got to interact with your coplayers alot.
you can always get something out of your cards.. or just trade stuff with other people.. additional to that you need even more help at higher lvls from other than at lower lvls, because there's always someone boosting your enemymonsters.
plus: you need friends and the right type of humor, you obviously got none of these
Your assertion that $25 is too much for two decks of cards and a dice is complete bunk. Most full-colour card games are quite expensive for what actually comes in the box. Star Fleet Battle Force, for instance, comes with two decks of cards, two dice and a set of plastic counters for $23, not much more than what comes in Munchkin...
Also, for the most part, this honestly is not a very good review, primarily because you barely touch on what makes Munchkin a bad gaming system. This isn't just because I disagree with you... I actually liked Train's "Hey Soul Sister", for instance, but I was still entertained by Todd in the Shadows' review that absolutely pulverised it. Unlike you, he explain in great deal what was wrong with the thing he was reviewing and is actually somewhat charismatic.
Whereas your annoying voice and haughty demeanour made you the absolute opposite of charismatic and as I said, you didn't really explain why Munchkin is a bad game... So, the winning player will be ganged up on. OK, but you need to EXPLAIN why this is bad. The same thing happens in SFBF. If you get bad cards you're screwed... Again, same in SFBF, that's just how card games work (you draw a bunch of plasma torpedoes and have no plasma-armed ships to fire them, well that's just tough).
As for having no choices... I'm sorry, but are you shitting me? Monster-buffers, for instance, have a great variety of strategic utility. They can be used in ganging up on high-level players, to buff a monster YOU are fighting so you get more treasure for killing it or to make a monster slightly too strong for an opposing player to beat in the hopes that they'll begrudgingly help you beat it (thus you get some of the treasure, or even a level if you're an elf in the core Munchkin game).
I agree with Tom and the dissenting commenters. You have to be drunk to enjoy this game.
You should work the maniacal laughter 0:57 into your intro or outro. Or perhaps do a spoof episode on April fools, "3000 Games Later: Tom Vasel Driven Insane".
Your reviews are great but I definitely disagree on this one. The thing that makes Munchkin fun is the politics and backstabbing that goes on, which really depends on the players you have at the table. Our games last 3+ hours and are absolutely hilarious.
Thanks for the honest review. I'm glad you're willing to say you hate a game. It makes you more credible. Out of all the game reviewers, you're my fav! Oh, and btw, I hated Munchkins as well.
this review sucks. munchkin isn't a serious game. you don't like this game because you've no sense of humor and your friends also have no sense of humor. it's so fun. worst review ever.
The review is good, it's just not favorable. He shows you all the components and explains the mechanics. He just didn't like the game. I however, really ejoy this game. It's simple, and doesn't frighten noobs with complex rules.
It's a very popular game. If you get a meta review it'll be a little more normalised. There are better games out there yes, but this game isn't terrible. I don't own the Pirate themed set. I own Super Munchkin, Munchkin Cthulhu and the vanila fantasy Munchkin set.
While finding the Munchkin games quite a bit of fun (contrary to the reviewer) I agree concerning the price of the original game. The game is over priced for just cards (and a 6 sided die, whoopdy doo). C'mon, it's made in china.
This is a terrible review. If you read Amazon reviews, or even BGG, most people LOVE these games. I prefer more complicated games, but still enjoy this game because it's a nice gateway game. It will get lots of play time with people who don't normally play fantasy-themed games, simply because it's easy to learn and FUN. I find your review particularly annoying, because one of your top ten games is Ticket to Ride which, and let's be honest, is lots of luck.
Is it a terrible review because you disagree with my opinions? Look, I know that thousands of people love this game. But thousands also hate it, including myself.
And Ticket to Ride, lots of luck? If you played me, I would beat you in probably every game, simply because I know the strategies in the game. Sure, it has luck, but the strategy is dominant.
@louiebasslouie I agree. I was sarcastic and condescending. But NOT to the players who like the game. To the game itself. If you like Munchkin - fine! I have no problem with that. I don't like it, so I said so. But I'm only ever attacking the game, not the people who play it.
@thedicetower I originally hounded down on you for disowning Munchkin but coming back to this same review much later...i owe you an apology, Tom.
Munchkin was my gateway game to D&D, Decent, Arkham Horror, and other big time board games. Munchkin holds a special place in my heart and i guess ill always have a soft spot for it, so ill admit to being biased as well.
Your other reviews are very VERY good and i look forward to more of them! sorry you dont enjoy Munchkin!
@thedicetower Well, agree to disagree. Munchkin is cheesy and wears out its welcome if it's played every game night, but it's really great to lighten the mood after playing one too many games of Arkham Horror or Mansions of Madness.
@gaozhi2007 This is a great review, in definition that it REVIEWED the game. He showed how it was played, the mechanics of the game, the point of the game, how to win the game etc. You only disagree with the opinion. Even if lots of people in the world love Munchkin Booty, that does not mean Tom Vasel needs to love it.
To be fair, many reviewers have a personal preference to what they do, and sometimes, though they are fair, it is impossible to be completely unbiased.
Though I am a fan of munchkin myself, I can fully understand how it could not
appeal to everyone. Some friends of mine refuse to play it more then once in a great while. My best advice to find someone who owns it and play a game with them with it first. Afterword buy it online, you'll find a lot better of a deal.
So You're saying that everyone should have the same cards so its fair? How is that realistic at all? Luck is a factor in all card/board games so get off your high tower commie.
Totally agree with your analysis of the gameplay and dollar value of Munchkins; its pretty horribly dependent on luck and its also kind of a rip-off considering what you get in the box. However, to me, you miss the point of Munchkins, since I still regularly play it with friends, since its incredibly easy to pick up and play with large groups, many of whom may not be into more in-depth and better games.
@IneptTroopr The large group dynamic is also key to the fun factor, and even though the card humor gets old after a few games, playing the game can be a riot, with the constant backstabbing and arguing over vague rules; highly recommended with a loud, boisterous group, playing late at night, preferably with some alcohol involved :) But yeah, if I want to play a game that involves real strategy or thinking as well as fun (if a bit more subdued), I agree 100%.
People start as what you are, a level 1 human nothing. Drawing any card is basically an advantage. Not drawing the "right" cards could be said for any deck or card game and I don't think its a viable complaint.
Although you are entitled to your opinion, and I don't want to sound condescending, I think you are missing the point of Munchkin. Munchkin is a spin-off of minmaxing and its not intending to be played seriously or competitively. Its about screwing over your friends and laughing about it
Munchkin boring? Of cause not! I`ve never seen a game like this, where you can built up new strategies over and over again, just to make sure to win without being stoped by another player. I guess, "someone" didn`t understand the possibilitys of this game....
I disagree with your opinion of munchkin in general but I, can see your argument. and to everyone saying it is not a good review he lead by saying he hates munchkin so yes its baised but never claimed otherwise
I don't feel this review is very accurate. If you have personal bias against the game, that's one thing, but to misrepresent the game is another.
Firstly, your statement that a review of one Munchkin set is valid for every Munchkin set is completely false. While all Munchkin sets do have the same basic premise and set up, they each have rules which are unique to the individual sets (i.e. the Sharks rule you mentioned in this video.)
Secondly, to claim there is no strategy at all involved in the game is ridiculous. If you played the game nearly as much as you claim in this video, you would realize that the wording on many of the cards is intentionally vague; this is on purpose to allow a player to creatively create combonations of cards and effects. Just randomly playing cards without thought is a valid way to play, but it's hardly *thee way.*
Also, as you yourself realized, if one player jumps ahead too quickly, the other players will attempt to drag him back down; knowing when to make your move is also part of the strategy.
Also, as you yourself realized, if one player jumps ahead too quickly, the other players will attempt to drag him back down; knowing when to make your move is also part of the strategy.
Fourthly, you made a few mistakes in explaining the rules as well as the impression of the style of game that you gave. You don't start at level zero. Everyone starts as a "Level 1 Human with no class. ...and, yes, that's meant to be a joke.
your problem is, you play this game with people who are good freinds, and also its not meant to be powergamed, its like other games, you dont power game, noobs power game. i hate power gamers
One comment... What about poker, what about rummy? What about all the other hundreds of card games. Like monopoly? Its hard to find any game that isnt based on luck. I LOVED munchkin from the very first time I played munchkin. I havent met a single person who hasnt loved it. The incredibly huge amount of combinations you can create is awesome. Its hilarious and is for those that love a good RPG but dont want to deal with serious assholes like yourself.
It's an opinion. Tom Vasel likes strategy games, which are decided by a players skill. The difference between the games you mentioned and Munchkin is that those games do require skill to play (even if they are mostly luck). Munchkin is ALL luck. The game is decided by which cards you draw and you really can't do anything to counter the effect of drawing bad cards. The game may be good for a laugh once in a while with the right group of people but it gets old really fast.
I think you may have made fun of the game a bit too much in this review. But having said that, I agree with your final verdict on the game. The strategy is poorly implemented (where there is any at all) and the game is pretty much entirely luck based (drawing cards). Nothing is stopping you from getting all monsters when drawing, and that stinks. I bought this game after hearing good things from a friend and regretted it the first time I played it. I'll stick to Race for the Galaxy thank you.
well DON'T EXPECT STRATEGY THINGS IN A GAME THAT ISN'T A STRATEGY GAME... I personnaly like this game I play with friends and it's always fun if you don't play it like a bastard that doesn't wanna have fun ....
I tried to have fun, but I admit I am a competitive person. I like to win. This game is not fun if you play to win. In short, this game is not for me (or anyone who enjoys actually using their brain).
While i do respect your opinion, as an experienced Munchkin player, i can tell that you haven't actually PLAYED Munchkin before. And by "PLAYED" i mean: came to it open-minded, played with other players ho came to it open-minded as well, and actually learned the meaning of the term "Munchkin" in RPG in general. And i give you my word, that if you will do all that, you will enjoy. Permanently. PERIOD.
I LOVE MUNCHKIN!!.....i play with my freinds and have a blast ... all my freinds love it and its a great way to blow a good 2 hours laughing and making your freinds hurt :D....this guy is being too critical...he doesnt realize this isnt a game to spend a day on or a game to collect cards on... ITs a board game to have fun with freinds on! Take it easy nerd its not Magic or anything its munchkin its awesome
My group made house rules to encourage assholism and therefore more fun. I like the game with the right people, but I agree it has bad design. Good design doesn't always equal fun. Munchkin is bad in the best ways and make it more fun for my group then if we were to play "Ticket to Ride"
Actually I think you'll find that the fans of munchkin are pretty loyal to the game. It attracts alot of players in game stores and conventions across the world where most of the other games this guy reviewed DOES NOT. It has a huge common interest group that just like a easy to play funny game that doesn't take a week to learn the rules.
This is a truely horrible review. The Reviewer spends all his time showing you how to BADLY play Munchkin. The game play is actually pretty good, the mechanic is well thought out, and the card combinations are pretty much endless. This guy's just on the internet trying to look smarter than everyone else watching and its transparent. If you can't review a game honestly stop calling them reviews.. there just opinions then.
Before you get too upset over this review, could you check out some of my others? I certainly don't like Munchkin, but I think I gave it a fair shake.
You go a good job on several others I've seen which is why I watched this one.. but this one basicly said.. " I hate this game, and let me show why you should hate it too." Your game play example is horrible. The Mechanic is not all that bad. There are games out there that are broken out of the box, SJG games are far from broken out of the box.. well with the exception of FRAG which is never been close to playable.
The mechanic is well thought out? Are you kidding? A two year old could have come up with the Munchkin mechanics. This game is a badly thought out card game with some mildly funny artwork on the cards. I mean come on, what kind of game costs 40 bucks for a deck of cards, one dice and then asks you to go find ten tokens per player because they are too cheap to provide them?
@EWInsight ALL REVIEWS ARE OPINIONS! Just because you disagree with a review doesn't make it horrible. The game play is long and boring. I've played it several times with different groups of people and hated it. Just because you're easily entertained doesn't mean the rest of the world is.
Yeah someone's already made up their mind not to touch munchkin because of one guy.. who, btw, even looks like a guy who hates munchkin.
It's hilarious how Munchkin is compared to Magic the gathering and other "serious games", coz you really can't compare the two. Munchkin isn't a REAL decent roleplaying cardgame.
So all you serious roleplaying veteran wizards; stay away from munchkin, honestly. It's meant for EVERYONE ELSE but you. Go play something that paints epic images in your brain.
I mean WHO, who enjoys D&D and Magic and whatnot, picks up a parody roleplaying game and starts a vendetta against it coz it's NOT A GOOD ROLEPLAYING GAME? :D Yeah, you can't use your imagination while your nerdy friend tells you what kind of a green field you're on with a dragon flying above you, but get together with your favourite friends, pop a few beers, start munchkin and have FUN. No need for setup & planning, no need for seriousness, no requirements of being sober.
Oh yeah and if you get pissed or react badly to losing in munchkin or getting a bad card; Stop playing.. you're taking it too seriously.
But yes, like you said yourself, you're being biased. Your personal hate for the game shows a little too well. So this review; not good. (It doesn't tell the facts.. this same video would look GOOD if done by a person wanting to make the game look good. You just decided to make it look bad.
Oh well.. I guess there's no such thing as neutral reviews.
You are the serioust person about playing games I've ever heard of!
But I just like stupid games like Munchkin, Zombies!!! or Chez Geek, games, which you obviously don't like. So I think we won't get along in this point.
So don't care about that and just keep it up, you are great!
@sarkasmi83 This same video would not be the same video done by someone else. Basically you're saying someone that liked the game would say they liked the game as opposed to someone that didn't like the game saying they didn't like the game. good job stating the obvious.
Oh and please don't say you can review all the munchkins with one standalone munchkin. In the original munchkin there's already like 6 expansionpacks that include all kind of shite... AND yes, you're right, you won't get to choose your equipment or anything in the beginning, but you sure as hell can select the cards you keep/save for later etc etc. And when the backstabbing starts, it's always about REVENGE, not about attacking the person of highest level. Light, good hearted fun I'D SAY.
The whole serious "almost angry" take you had on the review made me laugh. Of course you can't enjoy the game if a simple review makes you lift your voice to sound angry when browsing cards like "level 4 dogfish and VIKING KITTENS".. Hell the game should give you exactly 0% AGGRESSION and hate... feel both while playing and I sure as hell wouldn't wanna play with you, coz then even I wouldn't have fun.
So I bet it's a perspective thing. This is more like pushing your OPINION than a review.
Could you both look at my other reviews before getting too critical? I think we emphasize fun. But we certainly push our opinions - because that is what a review is all about. Sorry, but neutral reviews are worthless, if not impossible.
I watched a lot of your other reviews (and all were very good), but this review is other than the others.
I mean: If someone show a card, read its joke and laugh very artifically while doing this, noone will think that the card is funny and so they will think that the whole game hasn't got a good humor.
I can understand well that you don't like Munchkin, but that's no reason to make other people think so.
A review is about PRESENTING your opinion, not push it into someone else...
@torylva I don't agree that reviews must be neutral. Many reviewers are known to purposely razz certain genre's, and this guy admits to already hating the Munchkin series. It doesn't make him unemployable it just makes him contrary. Many people love Munchkin, and if they didn't there wouldn't be so many editions and expansions.
Yeah, you don't get to select your class... Suck THAT up. And pretty much every time I've played there's been a chance to change the class/race/whateveryouare from a few options, since the games tend to last for a pretty long time.
I mean, sure, I can understand someone not liking this if they're really into serious roleplaying games - that I really haven't got into.. So I just love the whole lightness and fun factor of the game. I don't need the "SERIOUS" part in the equation.
You can make INGENIOUS moves, which are very strategic. Visit once a Munchkin tournament, Tom, and you will see that there is more than luck in this game!
Yeah, I've only played like ~10 times with my friend and I've noticed myself getting better.. How to combine some cards to make a "combo" if you will, how to save the cards that are good for later etc. Ofcourse it's not about just luck :)
Although I agree with you if you look at the gameplay mechanics and humor strictly, munchkin can get old pretty fast. But I believe with a few tweaks the game becomes much more fun. Just remove the card limit, and get completely crazy with the negotiations, bluffs, and threats. Such as, "I won't use this card that could completely destroy you for 2 treasures and the weapon you are carrying" and it can vastly improve the gameplay depending on who you play with.
Are you serious?? 30 mins to 2 hours...lol you make ME laugh you idiot. You can't have played them all there's no possible way. Get off your lazy fat butt from the mind numbing computer games/video games and enjoy a good board game. Munchkin kicks butt. Not only do they give you a LEVEL COUNTER (yes it's in there) to keep track of your levels but the bartering takes skill. It's all about backstabbing and fun.
I have played a game of Munchkin Quest (which is quite a bit more in depth) for over 6 hours straight. It's all about how good you are at strategy and how cunning you are at diplomacy. Try playing the games before you put them all down.
I haven't seen a level counter in my munchkin box's :P And as I'm browsing the munchkin sets from a store, they don't say anything about a level counter being included :/
Only one I can find is a sturdy metal levelcounter that you can buy, but that's it.. But yeah, munchkin does kick butt, imo too. Too bad people are taking it so damn seriously. :P
I play Munchkin Quest mostly but I also play Cathahulu (sp?). I prefer Quest because it has more to it. I can't wait to get the expansion packs for it. 6 players then and a hell of a lot more cards/maps etc!
Oh Quest has a level counter.. o' okay. :) Yeah, Cthulhu. :) I hadn't heard of Quest and checked it out and a boardgame with a little more to it does seem very cool.
You start at level 1 and can never reach level 0. You start off with 2 door and 2 treasure cards. Tom must have played with a bunch of people who didn't know the rules. Tom has a bad sense of humour in my opinion. He must have played these two games and one game did really horrible and in another really kicked ass and that's where his opinions are coming from. Learn to play correctly, get a sense of humour, and play more than 3 games WITH friends who aren't influencing you. THEN make a review.
I agree with the review - it's great for laughs, but once the humor gets old - which it does, as it's mostly just puns (for example "Wight at the end of the tunnel" and plays on absurdity (like a tiny guy using a huge tree as a sword), the gameplay itself is... very, very shallow.
Thank God. My friends think I'm insane for not liking Munchkin, regardless that it's all style and no substance. Seeing your review at least buries my concern that I am alone in that opinion.
But... but... it's got viking kittens. Doesn't that count for something?
Actually, as another poster said, Munchkin pretty much makes up most of Steve Jackson Games revenue these days. It's said because it used to put out some really nice RPG products.
I play Munchkin Cthulhu with my group from time to time, and we enjoy it, though it sometimes runs a little long. Sure, there's a lot of luck involved, but the "ganging up" factor often helps to prevent a runaway leader. We have fun with it, and appreciate that it can handle a relatively large number of players. So it looks like I'll have to disagree with you on this one, Tom.
Oh, and a factual error: You start with 1 level, which you can never go below. There is no "level 0".
Actually, you CAN hit Level Zero, though you're right about not starting there. This was cleared up for me personally at Penguicon 2004 (in Michigan), where Steve Jackson himself ran a Star Munchkin game and I hit a "Lose A Level" trap on my first turn.
At least I got him to autograph my Ninja Burger game.
Thanks for warning me off this game. I never realised it was so weak, I thought there must have been something more to it... or its supposed humour did make up for the boring system... but its not funny at all either
My brother-in-law and his girlfriend ranted and raved about this game, and it's various expansions, for weeks and weeks. We finally got to play it with them...and i was extremely disappointed. It's extremely basic, and I found it not too fun, just flip and read, flip and read.
Then they want you to pay them another $10 or more for a counter die??? get a 1 dollar D10 instead, same thing. I'd say pass on this game, get a card game that's a little more interesting, like WOW card game.
Dude... the World of Warcraft TCG kicks serious ass! It's like Magic: The Gathering, but BALANCED -- not reduced to a bunch of infinite loops, forced set obsoletions, and expensive rares... it's incredible!
Yeah, we like it alot, but we also like that magic can be quicker. We're trying to get a couple friends into wow cards so we can take on a couple raid decks together.
@kublycon yes, munchkin is a non collectible card game, but there are also Race for the galaxy and Dominion that are far better than the really boring munchkin (that i however own).
I would agree that playing munchkins all the time can be boring but I find it enjoyable because of its ability to be a card game NOT based on who has more money to buy better cards such as the infamous Magic: The Gathering.
This allows the most hardcore player ever to be leveled out so it can be a more community game for your more casual player.
PS I do not know if you read these but I would like to put my request in for a review on Tide of Iron by Fantasy Flight
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Ah, the internet, proving daily that the best way to cause a flame-war is to diss something that's popular. Why can't people ever disagree in a civil manner?
As for my opinion, I love Munchkin, and I play it with my family multiple times a week. Yes, there is much luck in the game, but you also need to be smart enough to know when and how to work with others and when to backstab, so with the right group there is PLENTY of strategy. Still, Tom is free to have his own opinion.
XylonLionheart 2 months ago
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XylonLionheart 2 months ago
You missed the point of the game, which is not strategy, but laughs. And, in that area, it is quite successful. Also, it is a simple entry level game. Granted, I do not want to play the game every day. But, once in a while, it is the perfect choice. In that respect, I think that your review was a misfire.
You might as well have said Pandemic is a crummy game because it does not have a lot of laughs. But, that is not the type of game Pandemic is supposed to be.
pupsenok 3 months ago
@pupsenok What is this a "entry level game" to? What types of games, that is? I am trying to find a good variety of games to get while not spending too much money (maybe on a select few, though). So far I have Quarriors, Dominion and Tide of Iron. I just got Quarriors and Dominion but they're both deck/dice building games. Tide of Iron I've never played because I didn't have people to play with.
Advice is welcome. I don't mind a little RPing, but I prefer numbers and tactics more.
woodzip87 1 week ago
@woodzip87
It is a simple themed card game. The card rules may not be great, but they are not overly complex. It is thus an entry level game to board games, and themed card games in particular. It is not a direct precursor to anything. Depending on the theme, it is only vaguely related to other games, like Munchkin to fantasy role playing (like D&D) or Munchkin Chthulhu to Arkham Horror. I played it a couple of times and laughed, but that was enough for me.
pupsenok 1 week ago
@pupsenok I got ya. I don't mind a little silliness (hence Quarriors), but I do want to invest in a game with longevity. I don't mind complex games either (trying to get that newer Mage Knight board game). The world of board/dice/card gaming is vast. Unfortunately I think the resource I have even less than money is time :P Oh well, might as well buy now and have them for the future :D
woodzip87 1 week ago
@woodzip87
No, this is not a game that you will be playing night after night with joy. It is good for a couple of snorts and giggles (with those who are already familiar with the theme in question) and maybe introducing themed card games to a newbie. But, that is it.
A much better card game is Fluxx. And, for board games, I like Castle Panic and Cosmic Encounter and the Amazing Labyrinth and Mansions of Madness and a variety of games that I can play many times.
pupsenok 1 week ago
@woodzip87
However, most of all, I play Dungeons and Dragons (original AD&D) with the same group of friends for the past 31 years. For a lot of games, it depends on taste. But, some are good but wear out quickly, regardless of taste, like Munchkins. And, others blow chunks after the first game, like Monopoly.
pupsenok 1 week ago
Haha, "beat off the enemy" :-)
codykonior 4 months ago
Damn.... Now i hate munchkin. But, I see your point...
gogozombie86 4 months ago
I love your reviews, Tom, and I think this one is very well analyzed, but at the same time, Munchkin is one of my all-time favorite games.
It could be due to the group I play it with, but I have never seen a game that leads to as much emergent diplomacy as this one. From unions and protection rackets to organized resistances and formal diplomatic relations, nearly every game I've been in has involved some extremely in-depth negotiations. With the right group, this game really is golden.
battleshipcd42 6 months ago 3
He just ruined munchkin for me >.>
Gundamknight2423 6 months ago
hey buddy, can you tell me the characteristics of British, Spanish, Dutch, and French in the game? I´m very curious.
crinoss2 6 months ago
The game is about hanging with your friends and having fun, its not chess bro.
BaelkaWins 7 months ago
this is a great game series with tons of versions to change it up and add ons to make it crazy fun. you can get counters for cheap cheap.. i think 8 bucks for 8 counters. that go to 99
i own 3 versions of it vampire zombie and this pirate and each is addictively fun im sorry this guy an others dont understand how to use strategie. everything is situational i mean.
TheGrimdoor 8 months ago
I think the viewers votes speaks for itself about this review...
Prismet 8 months ago
I get that you don't like the game, but what draws most people to the Munchkins series (I'm referring to the 1st now) is the humour and there is a little more strategy that you hinted in your video: trying to keep a low level monster for your last lvl up, the sometimes hilarious card pile ups that happen (ex: Ancient-Giant-Egg from Hell; initially a level one monster becoming a lvl 19), gaging what you sell for lvl vs the events you want to protect yourself from (ie loaded die, potion to flee...
Prismet 8 months ago
it designed to be combined with other boxes. so you can have space cowboys and get a ship add on deck to give everyone ships and stuff i find this game to be hileriously fun in groups. its quick easy and addictive since you spend your time kickin your friends around.
TheGrimdoor 8 months ago
I HATE THIS GUY. HE MISREPRESENTS THE GAME SO MUCH.
TheGrimdoor 8 months ago 2
I cant agree with u more check out munckin quest u actualli c the dungen ur in and it has nifty level counter! I sugest u check it out and review it! Great review.
EmptyBoxco 8 months ago
Tom I a big board game player.And I cant agree with you more! The Munchkin card games can get old.I found a better way the enjoy this comicle aspect of the game is by playing munchkin quest! It takes the basic munchkin card game and turns it into a boad game wich is what caught my intrest(before i read the review i thought great another munchkinn card game). Youll find that steve jackson makes decent borad game.You get monster standies to go with every monster cad and thos nifty level Counters
EmptyBoxco 8 months ago
Critic. MUNCHKIN RULES
NYMICNIP 9 months ago
this game is awesome, y would you give this a bad review
lostdata8 9 months ago
i only want to say the cost of the munchkin decks are not that much and it is much more fun then you make it out to be
death67597 10 months ago
I agree with Tom here... the game is one of my WORST game purchases ever, I bought this because I was with my 6 year old daughter in the boardgame shop. She thought it would be fun so I gave in, But it turns out its just not fun, and just plain boring. I would say, when with a group you can find much much better games... card games like Kutschfahrt zur Teufelsberg (Coach Ride to the Devil's Castle) are vastly superior with very nice mechanisms and superb artwork.
Kalecommando 10 months ago
i like munchkin
SmithsOz 10 months ago
i dont want to "beat off" enemies.
slowdix 11 months ago
Hmm...I disagree on Munchkin being a bad game, but agree on some of your critic though. But I think you ignored the cooperative element of the game, this have always led to funny situations when I played it. It gives plenty of opportunity for backstabbing or forming alliances.
rasmuslm 11 months ago
Holy cow the Munchkin brigade really came out in defense of their game! I think my favorite comment was "You're just a fastidious bigwig."
As someone who owns two types of Munchkin and Munchkin Quest I can entirely sympathize with Tom. The game is too expensive (unless you get it at Borders with 40% off coupons), too luck-y, and most importantly TOO DAMN LONG. When you get 6 players involved you're looking at 2 hours easy. Ugh. Play it with 3 or 4 or don't play it. Or just don't play it.
beeeatsme 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Tom's right : Munchkin is terrible. I've played it twice and I will NEVER, EVER play it again. \
Ballosce 1 year ago
Tom's right : Munchkin is terrible. I've played it twice and I will NEVER, EVER play it again.
Ballosce 1 year ago
You start at level one in Munchkin, not level zero.
ALiarWhoLies 1 year ago
You start at level one in Munchkin.
ALiarWhoLies 1 year ago
I see what you mean about it not seeming like you get much for your money and this stems out in to the expantion packs too.However the fun of playing as people have said is from playing with likeminded people and progressing your stratergy...
Yes it is mostly luck on what cards you get but it is about holing on to the cards to fully screw someone over and shoot in to victory!!!
22ill 1 year ago
Will you ever do munchkin quest? Even though it has the same system it has more to it. Also, just a note, the manual is TERRIBLE, but please don't base your experience on it solely.
Sentada 1 year ago
the review isn't bad.. but you just need to understand that the fun about munchkin is how you handle certain situations.. you got to interact with your coplayers alot.
you can always get something out of your cards.. or just trade stuff with other people.. additional to that you need even more help at higher lvls from other than at lower lvls, because there's always someone boosting your enemymonsters.
plus: you need friends and the right type of humor, you obviously got none of these
SirLemongrass 1 year ago
haha what a douche. He has no friends..
86BENNYG 1 year ago
Your assertion that $25 is too much for two decks of cards and a dice is complete bunk. Most full-colour card games are quite expensive for what actually comes in the box. Star Fleet Battle Force, for instance, comes with two decks of cards, two dice and a set of plastic counters for $23, not much more than what comes in Munchkin...
SirBroadsword 1 year ago
Also, for the most part, this honestly is not a very good review, primarily because you barely touch on what makes Munchkin a bad gaming system. This isn't just because I disagree with you... I actually liked Train's "Hey Soul Sister", for instance, but I was still entertained by Todd in the Shadows' review that absolutely pulverised it. Unlike you, he explain in great deal what was wrong with the thing he was reviewing and is actually somewhat charismatic.
SirBroadsword 1 year ago
Whereas your annoying voice and haughty demeanour made you the absolute opposite of charismatic and as I said, you didn't really explain why Munchkin is a bad game... So, the winning player will be ganged up on. OK, but you need to EXPLAIN why this is bad. The same thing happens in SFBF. If you get bad cards you're screwed... Again, same in SFBF, that's just how card games work (you draw a bunch of plasma torpedoes and have no plasma-armed ships to fire them, well that's just tough).
SirBroadsword 1 year ago
As for having no choices... I'm sorry, but are you shitting me? Monster-buffers, for instance, have a great variety of strategic utility. They can be used in ganging up on high-level players, to buff a monster YOU are fighting so you get more treasure for killing it or to make a monster slightly too strong for an opposing player to beat in the hopes that they'll begrudgingly help you beat it (thus you get some of the treasure, or even a level if you're an elf in the core Munchkin game).
SirBroadsword 1 year ago
I agree with Tom and the dissenting commenters. You have to be drunk to enjoy this game.
You should work the maniacal laughter 0:57 into your intro or outro. Or perhaps do a spoof episode on April fools, "3000 Games Later: Tom Vasel Driven Insane".
bigsky780 1 year ago
ur an idot
jedibutters8844 1 year ago
when you play with your mom its probably not as fun i can understand why you have it a bad review
bexlikexGob 1 year ago
Your reviews are great but I definitely disagree on this one. The thing that makes Munchkin fun is the politics and backstabbing that goes on, which really depends on the players you have at the table. Our games last 3+ hours and are absolutely hilarious.
PenguinPartyKei 1 year ago 7
I completely disagree with you this time. I love this game, even though it's quite simple.
GrandElemental 1 year ago
Thanks for the honest review. I'm glad you're willing to say you hate a game. It makes you more credible. Out of all the game reviewers, you're my fav! Oh, and btw, I hated Munchkins as well.
platticus 1 year ago
The only reason someone might not find this game hilarious must be that that certain someone play this game with very dry people.
Zethuriel 1 year ago
As you say in your review, people certainly do seem to be divided over Munchkin:
Ratings for this video (82 total)
Number of likes 41
Number of dislikes 41
Nice review and a very valid conclusion.
jedimaloney88 1 year ago 3
this review sucks. munchkin isn't a serious game. you don't like this game because you've no sense of humor and your friends also have no sense of humor. it's so fun. worst review ever.
seph1r0th757 1 year ago
The review is good, it's just not favorable. He shows you all the components and explains the mechanics. He just didn't like the game. I however, really ejoy this game. It's simple, and doesn't frighten noobs with complex rules.
It's a very popular game. If you get a meta review it'll be a little more normalised. There are better games out there yes, but this game isn't terrible. I don't own the Pirate themed set. I own Super Munchkin, Munchkin Cthulhu and the vanila fantasy Munchkin set.
Tapewormz 1 year ago
While finding the Munchkin games quite a bit of fun (contrary to the reviewer) I agree concerning the price of the original game. The game is over priced for just cards (and a 6 sided die, whoopdy doo). C'mon, it's made in china.
gravy229 1 year ago
One does not start Munchkin at level 0.
WatcherThePunk 1 year ago
I got munchkin a couple of days ago and i like it. And I dont know what I will think in a week.
moskitoshow 1 year ago
love it or hate it munchkin hits the table often. my group plays it about twice a year, generally after 4 or 5 beers. its fun exactally that often.
Skurvy2k 1 year ago
No one who never played this will buy it after this. You were very biast
xkingkev102 1 year ago
This is a terrible review. If you read Amazon reviews, or even BGG, most people LOVE these games. I prefer more complicated games, but still enjoy this game because it's a nice gateway game. It will get lots of play time with people who don't normally play fantasy-themed games, simply because it's easy to learn and FUN. I find your review particularly annoying, because one of your top ten games is Ticket to Ride which, and let's be honest, is lots of luck.
gaozhi2007 1 year ago
@gaozhi2007
Is it a terrible review because you disagree with my opinions? Look, I know that thousands of people love this game. But thousands also hate it, including myself.
And Ticket to Ride, lots of luck? If you played me, I would beat you in probably every game, simply because I know the strategies in the game. Sure, it has luck, but the strategy is dominant.
thedicetower 1 year ago 10
@thedicetower wow, unapologetic and unnecessarily arrogant.
Skurvy2k 1 year ago
Comment removed
louiebasslouie 1 year ago
@louiebasslouie I agree. I was sarcastic and condescending. But NOT to the players who like the game. To the game itself. If you like Munchkin - fine! I have no problem with that. I don't like it, so I said so. But I'm only ever attacking the game, not the people who play it.
thedicetower 1 year ago 15
@thedicetower I originally hounded down on you for disowning Munchkin but coming back to this same review much later...i owe you an apology, Tom.
Munchkin was my gateway game to D&D, Decent, Arkham Horror, and other big time board games. Munchkin holds a special place in my heart and i guess ill always have a soft spot for it, so ill admit to being biased as well.
Your other reviews are very VERY good and i look forward to more of them! sorry you dont enjoy Munchkin!
louiebasslouie 9 months ago 2
@thedicetower Well, agree to disagree. Munchkin is cheesy and wears out its welcome if it's played every game night, but it's really great to lighten the mood after playing one too many games of Arkham Horror or Mansions of Madness.
XinBiDe 3 months ago
@thedicetower I agree with Tom. I do like the game, I really love it, but that doesn't mean his review sucks just because he has a different opinion.
MrAlphablending 6 days ago
@gaozhi2007 This is a great review, in definition that it REVIEWED the game. He showed how it was played, the mechanics of the game, the point of the game, how to win the game etc. You only disagree with the opinion. Even if lots of people in the world love Munchkin Booty, that does not mean Tom Vasel needs to love it.
dajusta87 1 year ago 2
To be fair, many reviewers have a personal preference to what they do, and sometimes, though they are fair, it is impossible to be completely unbiased.
Though I am a fan of munchkin myself, I can fully understand how it could not
appeal to everyone. Some friends of mine refuse to play it more then once in a great while. My best advice to find someone who owns it and play a game with them with it first. Afterword buy it online, you'll find a lot better of a deal.
SilverWyvern280 1 year ago
So You're saying that everyone should have the same cards so its fair? How is that realistic at all? Luck is a factor in all card/board games so get off your high tower commie.
werty8008 1 year ago
Arnt u a little to old to play bored games cause this board game is legit
Drakany 1 year ago
@Drakany You're never TOO old to play BOARD games and this technically isn't a board game, it's a card game.
The80sKickAss 1 year ago
$30?! Really?
Even on the official website the largest decks are listed for $19.99 with shipping and handling.
After playing Munchkin for about 5 years, the game is hilarious because the people you are playing with make it fun....like any game.
swordmaster4 1 year ago
@swordmaster4 He made this review a year ago, I'm sure the prices have dropped significantly since then. good research though.
The80sKickAss 1 year ago
Totally agree with your analysis of the gameplay and dollar value of Munchkins; its pretty horribly dependent on luck and its also kind of a rip-off considering what you get in the box. However, to me, you miss the point of Munchkins, since I still regularly play it with friends, since its incredibly easy to pick up and play with large groups, many of whom may not be into more in-depth and better games.
IneptTroopr 1 year ago
@IneptTroopr The large group dynamic is also key to the fun factor, and even though the card humor gets old after a few games, playing the game can be a riot, with the constant backstabbing and arguing over vague rules; highly recommended with a loud, boisterous group, playing late at night, preferably with some alcohol involved :) But yeah, if I want to play a game that involves real strategy or thinking as well as fun (if a bit more subdued), I agree 100%.
IneptTroopr 1 year ago
People start as what you are, a level 1 human nothing. Drawing any card is basically an advantage. Not drawing the "right" cards could be said for any deck or card game and I don't think its a viable complaint.
Although you are entitled to your opinion, and I don't want to sound condescending, I think you are missing the point of Munchkin. Munchkin is a spin-off of minmaxing and its not intending to be played seriously or competitively. Its about screwing over your friends and laughing about it
FemJesse 1 year ago
Munchkin boring? Of cause not! I`ve never seen a game like this, where you can built up new strategies over and over again, just to make sure to win without being stoped by another player. I guess, "someone" didn`t understand the possibilitys of this game....
Namaru83 1 year ago 2
I disagree with your opinion of munchkin in general but I, can see your argument. and to everyone saying it is not a good review he lead by saying he hates munchkin so yes its baised but never claimed otherwise
shinamash 1 year ago
I don't feel this review is very accurate. If you have personal bias against the game, that's one thing, but to misrepresent the game is another.
Firstly, your statement that a review of one Munchkin set is valid for every Munchkin set is completely false. While all Munchkin sets do have the same basic premise and set up, they each have rules which are unique to the individual sets (i.e. the Sharks rule you mentioned in this video.)
Johnny3D3D 1 year ago 2
Secondly, to claim there is no strategy at all involved in the game is ridiculous. If you played the game nearly as much as you claim in this video, you would realize that the wording on many of the cards is intentionally vague; this is on purpose to allow a player to creatively create combonations of cards and effects. Just randomly playing cards without thought is a valid way to play, but it's hardly *thee way.*
Johnny3D3D 1 year ago
Also, as you yourself realized, if one player jumps ahead too quickly, the other players will attempt to drag him back down; knowing when to make your move is also part of the strategy.
Johnny3D3D 1 year ago
Also, as you yourself realized, if one player jumps ahead too quickly, the other players will attempt to drag him back down; knowing when to make your move is also part of the strategy.
Johnny3D3D 1 year ago
Fourthly, you made a few mistakes in explaining the rules as well as the impression of the style of game that you gave. You don't start at level zero. Everyone starts as a "Level 1 Human with no class. ...and, yes, that's meant to be a joke.
Johnny3D3D 1 year ago
Great review. When you play games for fun, and have none, it's fair to say you dislike the game, plain and simple.
etalyx 1 year ago
Munchkin just makes me want to get Cutthroat Caverns much more
DreadArkive 1 year ago
I think munchkin rocks
CiceroProductionsIII 1 year ago
The reason why you don't like this game is either because you're friends are boring, or you're a boring person... Munchkin is awesome.
Mangzta 1 year ago
this is a really fun game and there are a lot of different installments for it also
angels132003 2 years ago
the only problem i had was that it didnt come with some type of way to keep track of levels
pimpinwheels 2 years ago
You should really review illuminati (Another card game by Steve Jackson)
BrutalMind 2 years ago
your problem is, you play this game with people who are good freinds, and also its not meant to be powergamed, its like other games, you dont power game, noobs power game. i hate power gamers
torylva 2 years ago
One comment... What about poker, what about rummy? What about all the other hundreds of card games. Like monopoly? Its hard to find any game that isnt based on luck. I LOVED munchkin from the very first time I played munchkin. I havent met a single person who hasnt loved it. The incredibly huge amount of combinations you can create is awesome. Its hilarious and is for those that love a good RPG but dont want to deal with serious assholes like yourself.
HaMMieDaHaMSTeR 2 years ago 2
It's an opinion. Tom Vasel likes strategy games, which are decided by a players skill. The difference between the games you mentioned and Munchkin is that those games do require skill to play (even if they are mostly luck). Munchkin is ALL luck. The game is decided by which cards you draw and you really can't do anything to counter the effect of drawing bad cards. The game may be good for a laugh once in a while with the right group of people but it gets old really fast.
ertytref 2 years ago
I think you may have made fun of the game a bit too much in this review. But having said that, I agree with your final verdict on the game. The strategy is poorly implemented (where there is any at all) and the game is pretty much entirely luck based (drawing cards). Nothing is stopping you from getting all monsters when drawing, and that stinks. I bought this game after hearing good things from a friend and regretted it the first time I played it. I'll stick to Race for the Galaxy thank you.
ertytref 2 years ago
@ertytref
well DON'T EXPECT STRATEGY THINGS IN A GAME THAT ISN'T A STRATEGY GAME... I personnaly like this game I play with friends and it's always fun if you don't play it like a bastard that doesn't wanna have fun ....
SaboudianKnight 2 years ago
I tried to have fun, but I admit I am a competitive person. I like to win. This game is not fun if you play to win. In short, this game is not for me (or anyone who enjoys actually using their brain).
ertytref 2 years ago
you Suck.
this game was made to make fun of people like you!!
riiz9 2 years ago
While i do respect your opinion, as an experienced Munchkin player, i can tell that you haven't actually PLAYED Munchkin before. And by "PLAYED" i mean: came to it open-minded, played with other players ho came to it open-minded as well, and actually learned the meaning of the term "Munchkin" in RPG in general. And i give you my word, that if you will do all that, you will enjoy. Permanently. PERIOD.
lakerking008 2 years ago 6
I LOVE MUNCHKIN!!.....i play with my freinds and have a blast ... all my freinds love it and its a great way to blow a good 2 hours laughing and making your freinds hurt :D....this guy is being too critical...he doesnt realize this isnt a game to spend a day on or a game to collect cards on... ITs a board game to have fun with freinds on! Take it easy nerd its not Magic or anything its munchkin its awesome
redsk4ter 2 years ago 3
My group made house rules to encourage assholism and therefore more fun. I like the game with the right people, but I agree it has bad design. Good design doesn't always equal fun. Munchkin is bad in the best ways and make it more fun for my group then if we were to play "Ticket to Ride"
quintmorrison 2 years ago 3
friends + liquor + munchkin = priceless
chriztoph3 2 years ago 31
@chriztoph3 we call that drunchken
drunk + munchkin
bexlikexGob 1 year ago 2
you only wasted 25 bucks? i wasted 40
nahor23 2 years ago
@ nahor:
Did you buy also an expansion or Munchkin Quest?
McNoat 2 years ago
nope, just the original game, but this is in AU $
nahor23 2 years ago
Actually I think you'll find that the fans of munchkin are pretty loyal to the game. It attracts alot of players in game stores and conventions across the world where most of the other games this guy reviewed DOES NOT. It has a huge common interest group that just like a easy to play funny game that doesn't take a week to learn the rules.
EWInsight 2 years ago
This is a truely horrible review. The Reviewer spends all his time showing you how to BADLY play Munchkin. The game play is actually pretty good, the mechanic is well thought out, and the card combinations are pretty much endless. This guy's just on the internet trying to look smarter than everyone else watching and its transparent. If you can't review a game honestly stop calling them reviews.. there just opinions then.
EWInsight 2 years ago
Before you get too upset over this review, could you check out some of my others? I certainly don't like Munchkin, but I think I gave it a fair shake.
Are my other reviews just as bad?
thedicetower 2 years ago 2
You go a good job on several others I've seen which is why I watched this one.. but this one basicly said.. " I hate this game, and let me show why you should hate it too." Your game play example is horrible. The Mechanic is not all that bad. There are games out there that are broken out of the box, SJG games are far from broken out of the box.. well with the exception of FRAG which is never been close to playable.
EWInsight 2 years ago
@ EWInsight
The mechanic is well thought out? Are you kidding? A two year old could have come up with the Munchkin mechanics. This game is a badly thought out card game with some mildly funny artwork on the cards. I mean come on, what kind of game costs 40 bucks for a deck of cards, one dice and then asks you to go find ten tokens per player because they are too cheap to provide them?
ertytref 2 years ago
@EWInsight ALL REVIEWS ARE OPINIONS! Just because you disagree with a review doesn't make it horrible. The game play is long and boring. I've played it several times with different groups of people and hated it. Just because you're easily entertained doesn't mean the rest of the world is.
The80sKickAss 1 year ago
Yeah someone's already made up their mind not to touch munchkin because of one guy.. who, btw, even looks like a guy who hates munchkin.
It's hilarious how Munchkin is compared to Magic the gathering and other "serious games", coz you really can't compare the two. Munchkin isn't a REAL decent roleplaying cardgame.
So all you serious roleplaying veteran wizards; stay away from munchkin, honestly. It's meant for EVERYONE ELSE but you. Go play something that paints epic images in your brain.
sarkasmi83 2 years ago
I mean WHO, who enjoys D&D and Magic and whatnot, picks up a parody roleplaying game and starts a vendetta against it coz it's NOT A GOOD ROLEPLAYING GAME? :D Yeah, you can't use your imagination while your nerdy friend tells you what kind of a green field you're on with a dragon flying above you, but get together with your favourite friends, pop a few beers, start munchkin and have FUN. No need for setup & planning, no need for seriousness, no requirements of being sober.
Oh well, hate away.
sarkasmi83 2 years ago
Oh yeah and if you get pissed or react badly to losing in munchkin or getting a bad card; Stop playing.. you're taking it too seriously.
But yes, like you said yourself, you're being biased. Your personal hate for the game shows a little too well. So this review; not good. (It doesn't tell the facts.. this same video would look GOOD if done by a person wanting to make the game look good. You just decided to make it look bad.
Oh well.. I guess there's no such thing as neutral reviews.
sarkasmi83 2 years ago
Before you get too upset over this review, could you check out some of my others? I certainly don't like Munchkin, but I think I gave it a fair shake.
Do my other reviews make me look like I'm serious about playing games?
thedicetower 2 years ago
@ thedicetower:
You are the serioust person about playing games I've ever heard of!
But I just like stupid games like Munchkin, Zombies!!! or Chez Geek, games, which you obviously don't like. So I think we won't get along in this point.
So don't care about that and just keep it up, you are great!
McNoat 2 years ago 2
@sarkasmi83
Reviews are not neutral.
Rulebooks are.
Get it in your heads, people! Reviews state the view of their author on the subject!!!
I do not like Munchkin either...
joeyeti 1 year ago
@sarkasmi83 This same video would not be the same video done by someone else. Basically you're saying someone that liked the game would say they liked the game as opposed to someone that didn't like the game saying they didn't like the game. good job stating the obvious.
The80sKickAss 1 year ago
Oh and please don't say you can review all the munchkins with one standalone munchkin. In the original munchkin there's already like 6 expansionpacks that include all kind of shite... AND yes, you're right, you won't get to choose your equipment or anything in the beginning, but you sure as hell can select the cards you keep/save for later etc etc. And when the backstabbing starts, it's always about REVENGE, not about attacking the person of highest level. Light, good hearted fun I'D SAY.
sarkasmi83 2 years ago
The whole serious "almost angry" take you had on the review made me laugh. Of course you can't enjoy the game if a simple review makes you lift your voice to sound angry when browsing cards like "level 4 dogfish and VIKING KITTENS".. Hell the game should give you exactly 0% AGGRESSION and hate... feel both while playing and I sure as hell wouldn't wanna play with you, coz then even I wouldn't have fun.
So I bet it's a perspective thing. This is more like pushing your OPINION than a review.
sarkasmi83 2 years ago 2
@ sarasmi:
Damned right!
Noone, who don't know munchkin will buy this game after seeing this review!
McNoat 2 years ago
Could you both look at my other reviews before getting too critical? I think we emphasize fun. But we certainly push our opinions - because that is what a review is all about. Sorry, but neutral reviews are worthless, if not impossible.
thedicetower 2 years ago
@ thedicetower:
I watched a lot of your other reviews (and all were very good), but this review is other than the others.
I mean: If someone show a card, read its joke and laugh very artifically while doing this, noone will think that the card is funny and so they will think that the whole game hasn't got a good humor.
I can understand well that you don't like Munchkin, but that's no reason to make other people think so.
A review is about PRESENTING your opinion, not push it into someone else...
McNoat 2 years ago
a review is about showing the good and bad about something...
nahor23 2 years ago
@thedicetower reviews must be neutral, if it wouldnt, how would the newspaper look if they reviewed all the things there opinion
torylva 1 year ago
@torylva I don't agree that reviews must be neutral. Many reviewers are known to purposely razz certain genre's, and this guy admits to already hating the Munchkin series. It doesn't make him unemployable it just makes him contrary. Many people love Munchkin, and if they didn't there wouldn't be so many editions and expansions.
FemJesse 1 year ago
@thedicetower No, a review is not to push the opinions. A review is basically and simply to REVIEW the product, Objectively - NOT Subjectively.
So I don't know who are you, seriuosly, but man, you're taking the game too seriously. I'd suggest you to relax a little bit.
MAN - THIS IS -NOT- A REVIEW.
yamyam263 1 year ago
Yeah, you don't get to select your class... Suck THAT up. And pretty much every time I've played there's been a chance to change the class/race/whateveryouare from a few options, since the games tend to last for a pretty long time.
I mean, sure, I can understand someone not liking this if they're really into serious roleplaying games - that I really haven't got into.. So I just love the whole lightness and fun factor of the game. I don't need the "SERIOUS" part in the equation.
sarkasmi83 2 years ago 2
Munchkin is not just luck!
You can make INGENIOUS moves, which are very strategic. Visit once a Munchkin tournament, Tom, and you will see that there is more than luck in this game!
McNoat 2 years ago
Yeah, I've only played like ~10 times with my friend and I've noticed myself getting better.. How to combine some cards to make a "combo" if you will, how to save the cards that are good for later etc. Ofcourse it's not about just luck :)
sarkasmi83 2 years ago
Although I agree with you if you look at the gameplay mechanics and humor strictly, munchkin can get old pretty fast. But I believe with a few tweaks the game becomes much more fun. Just remove the card limit, and get completely crazy with the negotiations, bluffs, and threats. Such as, "I won't use this card that could completely destroy you for 2 treasures and the weapon you are carrying" and it can vastly improve the gameplay depending on who you play with.
Radica1Faith 2 years ago
Munchkin is the best game ever. You're just a fastidious bigwig. You don't get the humor and fascination of the game.
DonPotti 2 years ago
@ DonPoti:
I agree with you: That is really the best game ever.
But just because he has another point of view, you don't have to become insulting!
McNoat 2 years ago
wow your retarted this is a great game.
zzz123kkma 2 years ago
Are you serious?? 30 mins to 2 hours...lol you make ME laugh you idiot. You can't have played them all there's no possible way. Get off your lazy fat butt from the mind numbing computer games/video games and enjoy a good board game. Munchkin kicks butt. Not only do they give you a LEVEL COUNTER (yes it's in there) to keep track of your levels but the bartering takes skill. It's all about backstabbing and fun.
Ahaz21 2 years ago
I have played a game of Munchkin Quest (which is quite a bit more in depth) for over 6 hours straight. It's all about how good you are at strategy and how cunning you are at diplomacy. Try playing the games before you put them all down.
Ahaz21 2 years ago 2
I haven't seen a level counter in my munchkin box's :P And as I'm browsing the munchkin sets from a store, they don't say anything about a level counter being included :/
Only one I can find is a sturdy metal levelcounter that you can buy, but that's it.. But yeah, munchkin does kick butt, imo too. Too bad people are taking it so damn seriously. :P
sarkasmi83 2 years ago
I play Munchkin Quest mostly but I also play Cathahulu (sp?). I prefer Quest because it has more to it. I can't wait to get the expansion packs for it. 6 players then and a hell of a lot more cards/maps etc!
Ahaz21 2 years ago
Oh Quest has a level counter.. o' okay. :) Yeah, Cthulhu. :) I hadn't heard of Quest and checked it out and a boardgame with a little more to it does seem very cool.
Probably gotta buy Quest next :)
Thanks for "the tip"
sarkasmi83 2 years ago
Your most welcome. Happy Munchkin'
Ahaz21 2 years ago
You start at level 1 and can never reach level 0. You start off with 2 door and 2 treasure cards. Tom must have played with a bunch of people who didn't know the rules. Tom has a bad sense of humour in my opinion. He must have played these two games and one game did really horrible and in another really kicked ass and that's where his opinions are coming from. Learn to play correctly, get a sense of humour, and play more than 3 games WITH friends who aren't influencing you. THEN make a review.
DragSinRuins 2 years ago
I surely hope for this game that he doesn't know the rules well, cause it sounds like just another luck-game.
kittyminty 2 years ago
I agree with the review - it's great for laughs, but once the humor gets old - which it does, as it's mostly just puns (for example "Wight at the end of the tunnel" and plays on absurdity (like a tiny guy using a huge tree as a sword), the gameplay itself is... very, very shallow.
MidgardEagle 2 years ago 2
If you didn't like the first one why did you buy the expansions?
Gloobmaster 2 years ago
Thank God. My friends think I'm insane for not liking Munchkin, regardless that it's all style and no substance. Seeing your review at least buries my concern that I am alone in that opinion.
galathonredd 2 years ago
But... but... it's got viking kittens. Doesn't that count for something?
Actually, as another poster said, Munchkin pretty much makes up most of Steve Jackson Games revenue these days. It's said because it used to put out some really nice RPG products.
walt776 2 years ago
I play Munchkin Cthulhu with my group from time to time, and we enjoy it, though it sometimes runs a little long. Sure, there's a lot of luck involved, but the "ganging up" factor often helps to prevent a runaway leader. We have fun with it, and appreciate that it can handle a relatively large number of players. So it looks like I'll have to disagree with you on this one, Tom.
Oh, and a factual error: You start with 1 level, which you can never go below. There is no "level 0".
bexarath 2 years ago 5
Actually, you CAN hit Level Zero, though you're right about not starting there. This was cleared up for me personally at Penguicon 2004 (in Michigan), where Steve Jackson himself ran a Star Munchkin game and I hit a "Lose A Level" trap on my first turn.
At least I got him to autograph my Ninja Burger game.
galathonredd 2 years ago
Thanks for warning me off this game. I never realised it was so weak, I thought there must have been something more to it... or its supposed humour did make up for the boring system... but its not funny at all either
Dann7000 2 years ago
you have really awesome reviews. I loved the part here you laughed @ 0:57 . Really good job
romegaurd 2 years ago
The scary part is this series accounts for over half of all income for Steve Jackson games.
I own almost every game they ever made, except for the munchkin series, which isn't worth it. I advice all to buy Car Wars, Illuminati, and Ogre!
jfridy 2 years ago
I enjoyed munchkin when I got it. After 2 plays I got bored though, and haven't played it since.
Race for the Galaxy, I think I played it 2 times a week for 3 months.
jfridy 2 years ago
My brother-in-law and his girlfriend ranted and raved about this game, and it's various expansions, for weeks and weeks. We finally got to play it with them...and i was extremely disappointed. It's extremely basic, and I found it not too fun, just flip and read, flip and read.
Then they want you to pay them another $10 or more for a counter die??? get a 1 dollar D10 instead, same thing. I'd say pass on this game, get a card game that's a little more interesting, like WOW card game.
alloriginal 2 years ago
Dude... the World of Warcraft TCG kicks serious ass! It's like Magic: The Gathering, but BALANCED -- not reduced to a bunch of infinite loops, forced set obsoletions, and expensive rares... it's incredible!
galathonredd 2 years ago
Yeah, we like it alot, but we also like that magic can be quicker. We're trying to get a couple friends into wow cards so we can take on a couple raid decks together.
alloriginal 2 years ago
@kublycon yes, munchkin is a non collectible card game, but there are also Race for the galaxy and Dominion that are far better than the really boring munchkin (that i however own).
FleppA 2 years ago
I would agree that playing munchkins all the time can be boring but I find it enjoyable because of its ability to be a card game NOT based on who has more money to buy better cards such as the infamous Magic: The Gathering.
This allows the most hardcore player ever to be leveled out so it can be a more community game for your more casual player.
PS I do not know if you read these but I would like to put my request in for a review on Tide of Iron by Fantasy Flight
kublycon 2 years ago 4
there is a review of tide of iron on his website, however it in a written review.
Darklordbrink 2 years ago