Instead of yet another genre, this time around Steve Jackson Games’ Munchkin line takes on a Major Brand Name, the popular fantasy RPG Pathfinder by Paizo. Of course, there are classes and levels, since this is a spoof of a class- and level-based RPG. There are cards for four classes (Witch, Summoner, Necromancer and Alchemist) as well as four factions (Eagle Knight, Hellknight, Pathfinder, Red Mantis Assassin), with their own specific abilities. You can also change classes anytime, even in combat! There are multiples of each card, and not all have the same art. (This means more John Kovalik art! Hooray!) My husband, who plays a lot of Pathfinder, confirms that these are from the game, and that there are lots of other shout-outs to the source material.
As for levels, the goal is to get to Level 10 first, which is done by killing Monsters, selling Items and/or playing level-up cards. Are there cards that lower your levels? Come on, do you really have to ask? Of course there are – there are Curse cards to do that or remove your Stuff! And now the good news – since everyone is driven to gain more levels, there’s a free Epic Munchkin expansion available online as well as Cheat cards to let you break all kinds of rules. (My husband has used the latter to equip more than two Hand Items.) One last tip – don’t forget to use tokens or something to keep track of everyone’s levels! You won’t be able to keep them in your head, you’ll be too busy having fun.
The rules (a folder of 3 double-sided pages) are typical of Munchkin, which means, yes the text (jokingly? I think…) pushes arguments! We have come across a few rules where we aren’t sure what is meant, but so far have not come to blows. I do think a couple rules go against the Munchkin philosophy of “Slay…Steal…Stab…” Specifically the Charity turn phase and the optional Shared Victory rule. However, since it is Munchkin, I suppose it is okay to have rules that seem, well odd. (Te-he) The game also sends mixed messages on personal electronics. Rules include a sidebar touting the Level Counter app for Android phones and Apple devices. (“With in-game advantages”). However there is at least 1 Monster card that penalizes players with phones, laptops and the like at the table!
Munchkin Pathfinder play is the same as the basic game. Cards are divided into Door and Treasure decks and four from each deck are dealt to players. A Turn has three Phases: Kick Open the Door, Look for Trouble OR Loot the Room and Charity. On Kick, you draw a Door card face up. If it is a monster, kill it; other cards can be put into your hand or played. To fight, add up your level plus bonuses from items, class, faction, etc. and subtract penalties from Curses and monster abilities. (See, it’s just like Pathfinder combat!) If you beat the number on the monster card, you win and get to draw 1 or more Treasure cards. If it’s less than or equal you can try to Run Away, or else take the “Bad Stuff” listed on the card. If you didn’t fight a monster, Look or Loot. Finally, go to Charity Phase if you have more than 5 cards still in your hand; you must give the excess to the player with the lowest level. Many cards can be played at any time, but some do have limits, usually “not during combat.” Curses, which can be played at any time, on anyone, regardless of whose turn it is, keep flying around our table!
Like all Munchkin games, this one can be combined with any other, the crazier the combo the better. There are some rules on combining sets given with a link for more. We stuck mostly to just Pathfinder. However, we did include the cards from the Dragon, Easter, Halloween and Christmas Booster packages we already had. I think they worked well with the base set.
The box and rules folders don’t give any guidance on ages or numbers of players. I think the game is suitable for children ages 10 and up, since it requires fairly good reading skills. I do not think this would make a good 2 person game. In my experience, card games where you can play cards against other players need more than two people. Our group of three (all adults) was fine and I think up to six would work, from other Munchkin games I have played. It took us about an hour to play one game.
I hesitate to say Munchkin Pathfinder is a Worthy addition to the Munchkin gang of card games. Hilarious, Wierd, Silly and Fun to Play are better choices.
Linda Whitson
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