Monkey Arena (2005)

About this game

Monkey Arena is a fast-paced, monkey combat board game from 3am Games. From the back of the box: Eight monkeys enter, one monkey leaves! The incompetent zoo keeper has left the zoo cages unlocked, leaving the residents to do as they please. The primates have gathered in the monkey cage to see who’s the toughest monkey around. Anything goes in this hair-pulling, rock-throwing, no-holds-barred cage match. Sticks, slaps, rakes, and pokes are the means by which the alpha male will emerge from the melee. Pick a monkey, enter the ring, and let the rumble begin in this wacky game of simian combat.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 8.
• Rules load. At 1.1/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.