Have you ever thought of running a crime syndicate but can't imagine doing time? Lucky for you, Lemery Games has something for exactly that: Chili Mafia. This set-collection card game might just be what you've been looking for to add spice to your game nights.
It's a game that packs heat!
If you're a fan of fast-paced, interactive party games, Chili Mafia might just be a good fit for your palate. It's like Sushi Go! with a bit of vendetta in the mix. Another thing that you might find tasteful is the game's aesthetics. This Mexico-inspired game has a suitcase for the game box and a matching passport for the rulebook. Quick fun fact: This is the first of Lemery Games' "globetrotter game series," which the designers Krisztina and Tamas mention on their site is inspired by their travels. How unique is that!
Looking in the box, you'll find 155 colorful cards that feel nice in your hands. That's 90 chili pepper mafiosi cards with strength corresponding to their rank on the Scoville scale, 30 action cards that, for the most part, allow you to gain more cards, hot cards that allow you to attack rival chili gangs, a dawn raid card, and four quick reference cards. Personally, I'm not big on "take that" mechanics. It's a bit too mean for me, but that's how things get heated in this game of mob bosses. To top it all off, the game's also extremely easy to learn, so much so that anyone who has played it can explain how to play in less than 10 minutes.
Have you ever thought of running a crime syndicate but can't imagine doing time? Lucky for you, Lemery Games has something for exactly that: Chili Mafia. This set-collection card game might just be what you've been looking for to add spice to your game nights.
It's a game that packs heat!
If you're a fan of fast-paced, interactive party games, Chili Mafia might just be a good fit for your palate. It's like Sushi Go! with a bit of vendetta in the mix. Another thing that you might find tasteful is the game's aesthetics. This Mexico-inspired game has a suitcase for the game box and a matching passport for the rulebook. Quick fun fact: This is the first of Lemery Games' "globetrotter game series," which the designers Krisztina and Tamas mention on their site is inspired by their travels. How unique is that!
Looking in the box, you'll find 155 colorful cards that feel nice in your hands. That's 90 chili pepper mafiosi cards with strength corresponding to their rank on the Scoville scale, 30 action cards that, for the most part, allow you to gain more cards, hot cards that allow you to attack rival chili gangs, a dawn raid card, and four quick reference cards. Personally, I'm not big on "take that" mechanics. It's a bit too mean for me, but that's how things get heated in this game of mob bosses. To top it all off, the game's also extremely easy to learn, so much so that anyone who has played it can explain how to play in less than 10 minutes.
How do you play?
Set-up is quick and easy with minor variation between individual or team play and the one-on-one game.
- First, you draft your initial hand with six cards (except in a 2-player game).
- On your turn, you can form a gang of at least three peppers, add to existing ones, play any of the action (green) or hot (red) cards for offense, or simply pass, discarding a card from your hand. You end your turn by drawing two cards.
- Once the "dawn raid" card is drawn, everyone stops for a dawn raid, where each player can rearrange gangs to maximize points. Moving, mixing, and merging peppers is allowed. You can even take peppers from your hand to add to your gangs. It's a real chili-ng moment for everyone!
- Everyone takes one last turn once the deck runs out, then you can score the booty and become the most respected mafia boss.
Is it too hot to handle?
I've always had fun playing Chili Mafia with my partner. Last time we played it, we coincidentally drew a number of the same cards and had Jimmy Nardello on Jimmy Nardello violence. If you're behind on pop culture and memes, that might not sound entertaining, but it was basically like the 2019 Josh Fight. If you get it, you get it.
Besides all the whacking and stealing you can do, there IS one action card that's for defense (except against other action cards), the fuggedaboutit card. It makes perfect sense for it to be a carton of milk as it neutralizes hot cards, but it also could've been something sour, like a mean tamarind or lime. Cow's milk isn't really an option for us lactose-intolerant folks, y'know?
Chili out and play
Give it a go! Even with the game requiring more luck than deep strategy, it's an entertaining, lightweight filler game that's great for couples, families, or groups who aren't afraid of a little friendly chili con carnage. It's fast-paced, easy to learn and teach, has quick set-up and teardown, and includes colorful, cute and funny art.
