[MULE The Board Game Review] The classic 80s PC game is back! The appeal of planetary development and economics
The 1980s Atari version of MULE was described as "like Monopoly in space," and now it's finally being revived as a board game.
The game has been praised as a well-balanced economic game that is especially enjoyable for ruthless capitalists .
Set on the remote planet Irata (Atari spelled backwards), this is a full-fledged economic strategy game in which players mine resources and manipulate the market in pursuit of profits.
In this article, we will explain in detail the appeal of MULE and things to be aware of, including the voices of actual players.
Game Basics
The core mechanic of MULE is a player-driven market system centered around resource harvesting and selling.
- Number of players: 3-4 (4 recommended)
- Playtime: 90-120 minutes
- Ages: 14 and up
Players take on the role of a pioneering species of the Galactic Federation , mining four primary resources (food, energy, smithereens, and crystallite) on the remote planet of Irata.
The system involves deploying MULEs (multipurpose robots) on land to produce resources, which are then sold on the market in order to compete for profits.
The game consists of seven turns, and eight phases are repeated: land acquisition, development, production, price adjustment, buying and selling, ranking adjustment, and personal events. The player with the most money at the end wins.
The appeal of MULE: the joy of economic strategy
The biggest appeal of this game is its dynamic market system where prices are determined by player actions.
Thrilling market manipulation driven by supply and demand
Limited resources make the game work, and the buy and sell prices of each resource are automatically updated based on the amount of stock in the store .
Players will sometimes need to become ruthless robber barons , flooding the market with rival staples and causing prices to crash, or buying up food and smithereens to create their own feudal system.
The thrill of dumping a pile of Smith's Ore into the store at the peak of its value, making a killing, and then watching the price plummet to the basement and no one else being able to repeat the success is an excitement you won't find in other economic games.
Faithful reproduction of the original and nostalgia
Another big attraction is that everything about MULE's production is designed to stimulate nostalgia points in people who remember video games .
It has been praised as a faithful port , recreating as much of the computer's complex calculations as possible using cardboard mechanics.
Feedback from actual players, such as "It's well translated from the original computer version" and "There's a real ebb and flow to changing resource strategies," shows that the appeal of the original has been properly translated into a board game.
Wide variety and customizability
The game offers over 13 different variants , ranging from a simple beginner version to a tournament version with asymmetrical alien race abilities.
For players who dislike the element of luck, there is also an option to exclude events, so you can adjust the game to suit your playgroup's preferences.
Concerns and solutions
There are a few things to be aware of with MULE, but they can be improved with the right measures.
Predictability of the market system
Critics say the game tends to fall into a predictable rhythm , and that while it touts a dynamic market pricing system based on supply and demand, the actual market is not as flexible as one would expect.
Food and energy in particular have a problem with prices not increasing easily, and store inventory offsets players' shortfalls.
Solution: To mitigate this issue, make active use of event cards to encourage direct trade between players, and use variant rules to create more unpredictability.
Long playing time and complex preparation
In addition to the long play time of 90-120 minutes , some have pointed out the complicated setup process, requiring players to stick up to 70 stickers onto the MULE's small wooden disc.
Some people have commented that "without the clear plastic bags to separate the various chips and tokens, it's very difficult to set up the game."
Tip: We recommend setting aside ample time to prepare before your first playthrough and organizing each component in separate bags. This will reduce setup time as you get used to it.
Aggression towards players
To truly enjoy this game, you need to be "ruthless" and feel no shame in actively sabotaging other players.
In individual events, penalties are imposed on players who are doing well, sometimes with devastating effects such as "losing half of your food" or "destroying your MULE."
Countermeasure: It is important to share the characteristics of the game with your playgroup in advance and play with members who can enjoy the offensive elements as part of the game. For beginners, you can use a variant that excludes individual events.
Recommended for these people and occasions
MULE is a game that shines in certain demographics and situations.
Target Player Profile
80s PC Game Fans: This title will resonate especially well with players familiar with the original, as evidenced by one comment: "Nostalgia alert - I played computer games on the Commodore 64 in the 80s. I loved it then, and I love it even more now."
Economic Game Enthusiasts: The words "economy" and "game" might not necessarily make you expect a good time, but this game mimics real-world economic activity (supply and demand) while offering the potential for reversals through random events that allow for serious economic strategy.
Advanced players who enjoy competitive play: "This game is very accessible, even my wife, who isn't a board game fan, enjoys it," while "it's especially fun for ruthless capitalists," so it's perfect for competitive players.
Recommended play scene
Family Game Nights: By adjusting the presence or absence of event cards, it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, as shown by one user's comment: "My wife (who is not a board game fan) also enjoys playing it, and almost everyone I've introduced it to has enjoyed it."
Serious sessions between gamers: "This is one of our most replayed games, alongside SushiGo, Atomic, Catan, and Space Explorers," says the game, offering ample replayability.
Expected benefits: Players will hone their strategic thinking to outwit their opponents, and through the thrill of manipulating the market and reading the market, they will deepen their understanding of real economic principles.
Some have pointed out that MULE The Board Game is a "decent game, but it misses out on its potential," but it is a valuable work that brings back the charm of an 80s classic to the modern day .
This is a game that anyone who wants to experience the thrill of market manipulation and negotiating with their friends should definitely try.
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