Monopoly: Star Wars The Mandalorian Edition Game Review

Packaging on this game is very unique. There’s a nice beskar printed outer box, and even more armor detailing on the inner box. This edition is far more than “Monopoly with a coat of Star Wars paint.” Paper Monopoly money is replaced with plastic imperial credit tokens, the metal pieces are all characters from the Mandalorian season 2, board spaces are all thematically appropriate (if not occasionally low resolution), and there are actual changes to the rules of play. Your choice of player token has consequences, as each character has a unique ability that will give you an edge in gameplay. Din lowers rent costs by 10 credits across the board, while Ahsoka can roll her die twice in certain circumstances. Each ability is very useful, so choosing your character has strategic ramifications before the game even begins. In addition, there is a non-playable Grogu piece, which you can take custody of if you land on any space the Grogu piece also inhabits. While you have him, you can use Grogu’s unique ability in addition to an “enhanced” version of your own ability until another player takes him. Lastly, there are 3 enemy pieces, a Stormtrooper, Moff Gideon, and a Darktrooper. These pieces will roam the map and force you into battle encounters if you pass them. Character cards and enemy cards dictate unique abilities and battle win/loss requirements. The game ends when Moff Gideon is defeated in battle.

Other than that, it is very similar to the classic monopoly you know and love. Acquire real estate, avoid jail, and collect the most credits to win. Signet cards act as the Chance/Community card equivalents in a classic game, giving you advantages in battles, and surprise advantages in key moments of the game. Unexpected Ally spaces allow you to advance to the next available unowned property and buy it. There’s plenty here to make the game different enough to be new and fresh, while retaining the fundamental charm of classic Monopoly.