This is the ultimate RPG card game that makes fun of RPG's. I'm not a huge RPG player, but I've kind of dabbled in it, and playing Munchkin hits just the right balance between RPG and "let's make fun of RPG's" for me.

I agree that the rules can be confusing for first-timers, and it helped exceedingly to have an experienced player on board for the first few games to get the hang of it.

The beauty of this game is that when you are small and weak, those "unbeatable foes" usually have some caveat, like they will not chase you if you are level 3 or less, so you can back away quietly in that situation.

It is almost essential to make alliances with the other players at the right time so your combined forces can slay the monster. However, this is usually when the other player(s) take the opportunity to stab you in the back with a wandering monster or something. Trying to get out of a battle that gets too deep as a flurry of cards is cast down is almost as fun as winning the easy battles.

You have to see how using cards can nullify other cards, and hopefully you have that one last "trick" up your sleeve that helps you win by the hair on your chin. The sex changes, curses, and other "surprises" that happen along the way add to the fun!

This is a FIRST RATE game that I absolutely love playing. Once you get the hang of it, the reply value is very high since the stars never line up the same way. Each game is different.

If you want some lighthearted RPG cardgame fun, this is a great diversion.

Munchkin is a game that can be played and enjoyed by dedicated gamers and those who are less so. We have played with a diverse group, and some of the non-gamers, once they learned how to play, became the most ardent players of the game.

The best part of the game is the interactions that the players go through. Play starts out mostly cooperatively, but changes in the later stages of the game to a bloodthirsty brawl. There is usually at least one player who will take offense at some other player's actions, to the point that they will try to 'get' that player at all costs.

The hardest part of the game is interpreting the rules, the rules are vague on some points, but in my opinion that actually adds to the game. By being open to interpretation, the rules can be interpreted differently in different games, we've had some great arguments over them, and since we use a somewhat democratic approach to the arguments, most players are at least partially satisfied.

A minor annoyance is that the discards have to be put in the correct pile, treasure or dungeon, and there is no way to tell from the front of the card what it is, you have to flip the card over to see the back. If the background of the face of the card were a different color for treasure and dungeon, the problem would be solved.

I heartily endorse this game as a good one to get more people into your gaming circle.

then get it anyway. I love this game. It has great screw or help your neighbor mechanics, lots of trading, and great for a good laugh. I have played this one with my friends over and over and I even got both expansions as well. All ages can play and it's fun for all. It's a bit pricy for what you get but the game itself makes up for it.