Magical Athlete

CMYK, Geekach LLC, Gémklub · Board game · 2025
2–6 · best 6 30 min Weight 1.2/5
6.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
6.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love fast‑paced, wacky races with crazy powers, Magical Athlete will hook you.

Highlights
  • Quick, fun gameplay
  • Unique athlete abilities
  • Short playtime
Keep in mind
  • Language dependence for cards
  • Some powers feel unbalanced
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Magical Athlete is a chaotic racing game where players control magically powered athletes. The match consists of four races, and the winner is the player who gathers the most points after the fourth sprint. At the start, everyone drafts four athletes from a common pool; each athlete has a wild ability that can completely change the outcome – imagine a rabbit that jumps two extra spaces or an elephant that blocks an opponent’s path. Before each race, players pick which of their drafted athletes to field, adding a layer of strategy in choosing the best contender for the current track.

The board has two sides: a "mild" side offering a more predictable route and a "wild" side packed with spaces that can speed up or hinder racers, emphasizing the game’s unpredictable vibe. Movement is resolved by rolling a die; you move the rolled number and then apply any special effect of your chosen athlete, such as swapping lanes or gaining a speed boost. A race ends as soon as two athletes cross the finish line, and usually only those two score points.

Components are straightforward – a double‑sided board, colored dice, athlete tokens, and ability cards – allowing a 30‑minute playtime for 2‑6 players. With a low complexity rating (1.15/5), the game is easy for newcomers to drafting and variable powers, yet still offers enough tactical depth for seasoned gamers who enjoy quick decision‑making. If you love racing games, whimsical themes, and fast‑paced strategy, Magical Athlete is a great pick to liven up your game night.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Categories

Families

Animals: Bears Animals: Elephants Animals: Rabbits / Hares Animals: Snakes Food & Drink: Bananas Sports: Athletics / Track and Field
Publisher CMYK, Geekach LLC, Gémklub, IELLO, Korea Boardgames
Designer Richard Garfield, Takashi Ishida
Artist Angela Kirkwood
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players, making it suitable for small to medium groups.
How long does a game take?
Approximately 30 minutes, depending on player familiarity.
What is the game's complexity?
Low, with a weight of 1.15/5 – easy to learn and quick to play.
What components are included?
A double‑sided board, colored dice, athlete tokens, ability cards, and point markers.
Who should consider buying this game?
Fans of racing games, whimsical themes, and fast tactical decisions; also great for parties and family gatherings.