I was first introduced to Munchkin in 2013, after years of playing Trivial Pursuit and Top 10. Sad story, I know. But I also know that my instant love for the game made up for all the time that had slipped through my fingers. Having no idea of Role-Playing Games like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder at the time, I simply let myself get carried away by the fun aspect of the game and didn't worry about the details. Much later, I realized how many dedicated RPG fans there are in the world and how invested they are on their characters and respective campaigns. What I'm actually trying to say here, hoping not to sound disrespectful to the RPG fan base, is that I believe Munchkin is a perfect gateway game for RPG novices like me. And it has been enriched with so many expansions and extra thingies that it is highly unlikely for players' interests to dwindle. Even if that happens, there are tons of spin-offs to keep you coming back.
Your ultimate goal is to be the first player to reach the 10th level (or the 20th if you're playing Epic Munchkin). Seems simple, but you can only go up a level after you've defeated a monster. Most times, your points won't be enough for you to manage it on your own, so your 'friends' can help you in exchange for treasure, equipment or even nothing at all. Yeah, about that last thing, your friend is probably an Elf and will advance a level every time they help you succeed, so think twice before striking a deal. Also, because the game is insane, a first-level Hobbled Goblin might suddenly get enough strength to end you. In case you are wondering who could provide the monster with so many modifiers, search no more. It's your friends. The most important thing to keep in mind is to always pick your battles. If the odds are against you, roll the die to run away from the monster and you just might be lucky enough to emerge unscathed. Good luck. You'll need it.
WHAT SHOULD I READ WITH THIS?Since Munchkin is a parody of role-playing games, I think I should recommend the first book of the 'Critical Failures' series by Robert Bevan. In it, Tim and his three friends gather at the Chicken Hut to play their favorite RPG, 'Caverns and Creatures.' Their Cavern Master, whom they have contacted through an advert, turns out to be taking his role quite seriously and, more alarmingly, owns a special set of dice that soon transport the gang into the fantasy world he has created. Apart from their struggle to get back to their world, the four friends also have to deal with the fact that Tim is now a Halfling, Dave is a Dwarf, the newcomer Julian is an Elf and poor Cooper is a Half-Orc. And they are all level 1...
I have enjoyed all four books so far as well as a couple of short stories and have learnt a lot about Pathfinder without having read the actual rulebook from cover to cover. I must warn you, though, there is a sizeable amount of profanity in all of them, so if you are sensitive about reading certain things, you won't be able to handle the pressure. Also, if your favorite class is the Bard, you'll suffer in Bevan's hands. He HATES Bards.
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AuthorMy interests include reading, playing, learning, admiring and dreaming. If you are a creative type, I will probably become your fan. moreGoodreads
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