Madcala

Druid City Games, Moona Games, Present Is Future Games (PIF GAMES) · Board game · 2025

7.0 Ludopedia 7.4 BGG 2 · best 2 15–30 min Weight 2.1/5

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7.0 rating Ludopedia

7.4 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

Madcala is a two-player game that takes the classic Mancala mechanic and injects a dose of Wonderland madness, featuring characters from Wonderland's War. If you enjoy strategic duels with a 'Take That' twist and a fun theme, you'll feel right at home. It's a quick experience, but one that demands forward thinking and adapting to the unique abilities of your 'Plus-Ones.'

Highlights

Mancala mechanic with a twist
Asymmetric strategic duels
Characters with unique abilities
Fast-paced and fun
Wonderland theme

Keep in mind

Requires constant adaptation
Direct interaction might not appeal
Moderate language dependency

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a rather… peculiar tea party! Madcala invites you to a crazy tournament in Wonderland, where the Cheshire Cat has taken over and the characters from Wonderland's War are ready for battle. This asymmetric two-player game blends cunning and a touch of luck, challenging you to outsmart your opponent in a race to reduce their health to zero. Don't think it'll be easy, as outmaneuvering and tricking your adversary is tougher than it looks!

On your turn, the dynamic is familiar to anyone who knows Mancala, but with a touch of madness. You pick a plate full of beads, take them all, and, as tradition dictates, leave one in each plate you pass. Where you land, a special action is triggered, adding an interesting strategic layer. But the real twist comes with your 'Plus-Ones,' who are iconic Wonderland characters. Each of them brings unique and powerful abilities, ensuring that each player has a distinct approach and strategy. Can you master the madness and emerge victorious in this clash of wits and tactics?

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

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Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players

2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Druid City Games, Moona Games, Present Is Future Games (PIF GAMES)

Designer Aaron Hein, Manny Trembley

Artist Manny Trembley

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,551owners

484wishlist

77want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

Is Madcala a good game for someone who has never played Mancala before?

Absolutely! While it uses the Mancala mechanic as its base, the special actions and characters add layers that make it accessible and interesting for both Mancala novices and veterans. The rules are simple to learn.

What is the average game length for Madcala?

Games are quite quick, usually between 15 and 30 minutes. It's perfect for a quick play session or to fit between larger games.

How many players can participate in Madcala?

Madcala is exclusively a two-player game. It's designed for a direct, asymmetric confrontation where each player controls characters with distinct abilities.

What is the complexity level of Madcala?

With a BGG weight of 2.125/5, it's considered light to medium complexity. The basic rules are easy, but the asymmetry and character abilities add strategic depth.

Do I need to know the Wonderland's War universe to play Madcala?

Not at all! The game uses characters and the setting from Wonderland's War, but the story and mechanics are independent. Knowing the universe might add extra charm, but it's not a prerequisite for enjoying the game.

Are the components language-dependent?

Yes, Ludopedia indicates moderate language dependency. It's likely that character abilities and plate actions will have text, so a translated sheet or cards might be helpful for non-English speakers.