Cover of the game Monkeys on the Moon

Monkeys on the Moon

Eight Foot Llama · Board game · 2002
Ludopedia
— Ludopedia
BoardGameGeek
6.2 BoardGameGeek
Players
2–4 · best 4
Play Time
60 min
Weight
Weight 2.1/5
Year
Year 2002
Minimum age
Minimum age 10+
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BoardGameGeek
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Monkeys on the Moon is a cult gem that mixes a space race with primate politics in a very peculiar way. The auction and influence mechanics create constant tension, where pleasing one tribe almost always means picking a fight with another. It is a light, fun game perfect for those who enjoy unusual themes with an extra layer of social strategy.

Highlights
  • Clever influence management mechanic
  • Funny and unique theme
  • Original and charming artwork
  • Constant player interaction
Keep in mind
  • Can cause frustration from tough choices
  • Theme might be niche for some
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Have you ever imagined a space race starring monkeys? In Monkeys on the Moon, you aren't just trying to launch rockets, but also managing the complex politics between six primate tribes. The game puts you in the position of a leader who must balance the progress of their civilization with the urgent need to rescue monkeys stranded on the Moon. The real charm here is the influence system: every decision you make to favor one tribe inevitably irritates another. It is a game of constant balance where you need to decide when it's worth gaining a group's support and when it's better to risk the scorn of another to reach your goals. The ultimate objective is simple but challenging: whoever manages to bring the most powerful primates back to Earth by the end of the game wins. With a light strategic weight, the game flows well and requires you to keep an eye on your opponents' intentions, as influence management is the heart of the experience. Beyond the gameplay, the title features a special artistic touch with original drawings by cartoonist Scott Starkey, which give a humorous and unique tone to the table. It is the type of game that doesn't take its theme too seriously, but requires interesting tactical reasoning so you don't lose control of the situation. If you enjoy card games with auction or bidding mechanics and like a theme that steps off the beaten path, Monkeys on the Moon is a peculiar and fun experience to gather the group. Get ready to deal with monkey egos while trying to ensure your rockets launch successfully. Interaction is constant and the "who am I going to annoy now?" vibe guarantees laughs and moments of strategic tension throughout the match. A cult classic that deserves a spot on your shelf if you appreciate games with personality and a touch of irony.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 BEST
4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Families

Animals: Apes / Monkeys Space: Colonization / Extraterrestrial Colonisation Space: Earth's Moon
Publisher Eight Foot Llama
Designer Jim Doherty
Artist Scott Starkey

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,274owners
125wishlist
29want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is the game difficult to learn?
Not at all! With a weight of 2.12, it is quite accessible for those who are already familiar with board games.
How long does a game last?
The game is straightforward, taking about 60 minutes to complete.
How many players can play?
It works very well with 2 to 4 players, making it ideal for smaller groups.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Yes, the influence mechanic requires you to pay close attention to what others are doing, as your choices affect everyone.
Do I need expansions to play?
No, the game is complete as is and has no official expansions.

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