Stats:
No. of players: 2-6
Amount of time to play: 30 min
Age requirements: 12+
Set-up time: minimal

BodgerMania is a card game in which you play a goblin bodger that has decided to take up wrestling. You battle your opponents through three training rounds so you are ready to rumble when it is time for the main event.

BodgerMania Rules Description:

BodgerMania is a drafting and trick-taking card game. The deck is made up of cards numbered one through eight in four colors.

You start the game with eight cards and each round there are four matches. On your turn you draft a card for yourself. Once all players have picked a card to keep, you place one face-up next to a match card. The player with the Ref’s Favor card discards first. Then you pass your hand to the left and draft and discard again. Once you have played all your cards you must figure out trump for each match. The cards placed by the match cards determine trump for that match. The color that is represented the most is trump. If there is a tie there is no trump.

After you determine trump for each match you must order your cards. The first card will be played in the first match etc… Once all players are ready you reveal your card for the first match and determine a winner. You win the match if match the trump. If more than one player has trump different numbers win different matches. And winning a match gets you prize cards and the Ref’s Favor card. You then proceed to the next match until all four matches are resolved.

If there is ever a tie during a training match the player with the Ref’s Favor card breaks the tie. They can help themselves or other players.

After three training rounds the final round begins. It plays out just like the previous ones, but this time you can start by looking at you r prize cards and they are available to be played. The prize cards can weaken or strengthen your cards or change a card’s suit. The player that wins or ties the most rounds in the final round wins the game.

You can view a how to play video here.

Quick Review of BodgerMania:

BodgerMania is a fun filler that is better if you play with the right attitude and the right people. It plays well with kids too.

The cards in this game are high quality and should withstand a lot of plays. The art is fun and whimsical and matches the theme well. The rules are easy to read with lots of examples. The box is very portable and great for traveling.

The drafting in this game is fun. Each round you need to be aware of the match as different values will help win different matches. You also need to figure out which card is best to vote for trump with. Do you remove a card that will help your opponent win the next match or a card that matches the color you want for a particular match? None of this requires too much thought so the game should move at a decent clip.

Another thing to like about this game is wrestling goblins. Need I say more?

This game will frustrate some players though. Some of the prizes you gain will not help you win the final round and sometimes you’ll just get crappy hands. I think the thing to remember is the spirit of the game and the fun in the theme. This is a light card game and randomness can ruin your best laid plans. Knowing this going in should help you enjoy it.

BodgerMania is a good filler that is quick and fun. If you like wrestling or games that encourage light-hearted, interaction try this one out. If you have kids they can enjoy this. The theme adds to the game and the fun. If you get the chance try this one out.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 3 out of 6
Luck 4 out of 6
Player Interaction 4 out of 6
Replay Value 4 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 4 out of 6
Overall 4 out of 6