Lemming Mafia – Let’s all jump in the river!

Like many, when we first heard the board game title “Lemming Mafia” we weren’t sure what to make of it. Sure we’re familiar with the inclination of lemmings to follow each other into dangerous situations. And when we think of Mafia, we think of things dark and sinister. So what in the world could bring the two together?

Surely that’s only something you can pull off in a board game.

So what do we think of Lemming Mafia? And is it really a game for families?
Check out Brooke’s video review to see what the game is about and hear what she thinks of it.

Can the whole family enjoy Lemming Mafia?

When you see the artwork on the Lemming Mafia game box, you’ll quickly realize that this isn’t a dark and sinister game. Instead you’ll see a cartoony depiction of lemmings in fancy hats and ties jumping in the river. And when you open the game box, you’re greeted with awesome lemming playing pieces that are just as cartoony as shown on the box.

Then once you start to play, you’ll realize that it’s a great, light game that the whole family can enjoy. But it does take some thinking. So while your youngest kids may be fascinated with the look of the game and the lemmings, if they’re too young they may not grasp some of the choices they’ll make along the way.

The mechanics are very simple with a standard “roll and move – then do something based on where the piece ends the move”. But players will have to choose which moves will be most advantageous to them in scoring points in the end. So we’d recommend sticking close to the ages listed on the box of of 8+.

Of course, dad has also played Lemming Mafia with his buddies and they’ve enjoyed it as well – so it’s not just for kids. Adults can have fun maneuvering lemmings around and picking who will come in first too.

Play is just as great with 6 players

Lemming Mafia also allows for up to 6 players to play the game. Not only does it allow for it, but it’s also great with 6 players. Adding more players doesn’t really extend the length of the game either. Since the game ends when one lemming gets to the 1st spot on the finish track, no matter how many players are playing, the lemmings will get to the end in about the same amount of turns. The only difference is with 6 players, each player will get less individual turns then with 3 players.

We love it when our family of 6 can all play and enjoy a game together.

No one is eliminated

Another key feature that we love about Lemming Mafia is that players aren’t eliminated as you play. Yes, some lemmings will be tossed in the river with cement shoes (grey pegs), but since players aren’t represented in the game by any particular color lemming, no one gets booted from playing. Everyone has a chance to affect the outcome of the game all the way up to the end.

How much luck is involved in Lemming Mafia?

There’s a lot of luck in Lemming Mafia, but you’ll also have the chance to make decisions along the way that will affect the outcome. For starters, there’s the luck of the dice rolls. The main dice determine which lemmings you can move on your turn. But you get to roll two dice and as such will most likely have the chance to choose between two lemmings to move.

There’s also luck involved with which spots may be open to move the lemmings to. But at the same time, that can be part of your strategy. You can make choices to move lemmings to spots that will reduce the options for your opponents to move the following lemmings to.

Another bit of luck comes in what mission cards you’re dealt at the beginning of the game. As the game progresses your goal is to complete as many of those missions as possible for the most points. And it’s those cards that will most likely dictate in which order you want each color lemmings to finish. So you’ll have to just make the most of what you’re dealt.

Overall, it’s very back and forth on finding ways to use the lucky elements of the game to your advantage.

But that’s also what we think makes a great family board game – a good mix of luck and choices. Having luck in the game gives everyone a chance to do well. And adding points that require key decisions, helps everyone keep their minds sharp.

Of course, in the end you may just not get the rolls you need to win. But with how light the game is (and that it doesn’t take too long to play) we’ve found that it really doesn’t matter who wins in the end. Having fun in the journey is what this game’s all about.

How does Lemming Mafia score on our “Let’s Play Again” game meter?

Lemming Mafia is a fun, light family board game that scores high on the “let’s play again” game meter. It’s near the front of our game closet so it’s easy to pull out and play when we’re up for a quick game.

We’d like to thank Meeple Mania for sending us a copy of Lemming Mafia!

Other fun family board games with great playing pieces: