Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy race games with a bit of 'take that' and a dash of luck, Malefiz is a sure bet!
Highlights
- Fun and unpredictable race
- Strategic barricade blocking
- Accessible for all ages
Keep in mind
- Luck-dependent dice rolls
- Can cause frustration for others
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Malefiz, also known as Barricade, is a classic board game dating back to 1960, where fun and tension blend in an exciting race. Each player controls a team of five pawns, aiming to get them from their home base to the finish line. The path can feature wide or narrow routes, adding a strategic layer to the journey. The game's brilliant twist lies in the barricades: landing exactly on a barricade space allows you to pick it up and place it on any space ahead (except the first row) to block your opponents' progress. No one can move past a barricade without landing exactly on it to remove it. This simple yet ingenious mechanic creates moments of pure frustration and laughter, as a well-placed block can completely change the game's momentum. Published across different eras, the iconic box art, particularly the Ravensburger version, adds a nostalgic charm. Malefiz is an accessible game for all ages, perfect for gathering family or friends for a lighthearted contest full of twists and turns. Luck from the dice combines with the cunning of those who know how to use barricades to create bottlenecks and secure victory, making each game an unpredictable and enjoyable adventure.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
OK
6
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Publisher
(Unknown), ABRA, Alga, Creative Crafthouse, Deco Play, Desyllas Games, Fisher Price, Granna, Hallmark Games, Logoplay Holzspiele, Mitra, Monkey Pod Games, Murfett, Oficina do Aprendiz, Otto Maier Benelux B.V., Otto Maier Verlag, Plasticart, Ravensburger AG, ROMBOL, Small Foot Company, [touch], Vedes, Vileda GmbH, Whitman, Woodstock Spiele, Το Καλό Παιχνίδι Α.Ε.
Designer
Werner Schöppner
Artist
Alfons van Heusden, Herbert Leupin, Jan Van Heusden, Paul Windle, Sławomir Jezierski, Walter Pepperle
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
3,121owners
78wishlist
8want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can participate in Malefiz?
Malefiz can be played by 2 to 6 people, making it great for various group sizes.
What is the average playtime for a game?
A game of Malefiz typically lasts around 60 minutes.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
Not at all! The rules are quite simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners or those looking for something quick.
Does it require a lot of strategy, or is it just luck?
It's a mix! Dice rolls bring the luck, but knowing where and when to use the barricades requires a good amount of strategy and cunning.
Is it a good game to play with children?
Absolutely! It's a very fun and easy-to-understand game for players of all ages, including children.
What happens if I land on a space occupied by one of my own pawns?
If you land on a space occupied by one of your own pawns, nothing happens. You simply share the space.
Can I go back to base if I get blocked?
No, you don't go back to base. You simply can't advance if there's a barricade in the way and you can't land exactly on it.
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