Malefiz
- Designer Werner Schöppner
- Publisher ABRA , Alga , Creative Crafthouse , Deco Play , Desyllas Games
- Illustration Sławomir Jezierski , Herbert Leupin , Walter Pepperle , Jan Van Heusden , Alfons van Heusden , Paul Windle
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Malefiz, players race their tokens along a cross-shaped board aiming to reach the finish first. Players can place movable barricades by landing exactly on them with dice rolls to block opponents' paths. Capturing opponent pieces adds an interactive tactical layer based on dice-driven movement.
Who Is This Game For?
Malefiz is suitable as a family game for players aged 8 and up who enjoy abstract strategy with simple rules. With a playtime of around 60 minutes, it fits well into an evening game session and requires little prior experience, making it accessible for casual gamers.
How It Works
The game combines mechanics like Dice Rolling, Race, and Static Capture. Each turn, players roll dice and move one of their tokens accordingly. Landing exactly on a barricade allows moving it to block other players. Capturing opponent tokens adds strategic decisions about movement and positioning.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Werner Schöppner in 1960, Malefiz is a classic abstract strategy game and a non-circular descendant of the Indian game Pachisi. Its unique feature is the tactical use of movable barricades on a modified cross-shaped board, offering a fresh take on traditional race games.
Pro
- Classic abstract strategy with dice-driven movement
- Strategic depth through movable barricades
- Simple rules for quick learning
- Supports 2 to 6 players
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Heavily influenced by dice luck
- May be too simple for expert gamers
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game features an abstract cross-shaped board without a specific theme, focusing purely on strategic movement and blocking.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on placing barricades strategically to hinder opponents and seize opportunities to capture their pieces.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Malefiz requires at least two players and does not have a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for an evening session.
What prior experience do I need?
With simple rules, it is accessible for beginners and family players.
How does this compare to similar games?
Malefiz differs by using movable barricades and a non-circular board compared to other Pachisi variants.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is family-friendly and recommended for players aged 8 and up.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Dice Rolling with strategic placement of movable barricades defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Malefiz is recommended for fans of abstract strategy games who enjoy a mix of luck and tactics involving dice and blocking. It is less suited for players seeking complex or deep strategic challenges.
