Magical Athlete

Before the races begin, all players draft four runners from a rotating pool. Each race is secretly chosen by one runner; then, in turn, each player rolls a die and moves their runner that number of spaces. Each runner has a unique power that can change the rules of movement—from pushing others back to teleporting, blocking, or hitching a ride. The first two runners across the finish line earn points (more the later the race takes place). There are four races on a double-sided board (Mild Mile and Wild Wilds), and the player with the most points after all is declared the Magical Athlete.

Magical Athlete is a polarizing but much-loved game: those who seek chaos, laughter, and absurdity will find their bliss here, while those who prefer to control their own fate will be frustrated. The wooden runner figures feel good and look funny, the illustrations exude joyful anarchy, and the drafting phase gives the game just enough strategy to be more than pure chaotic luck. For game nights with family or friends who mostly want to laugh and don't care about the outcome, it's hard to beat. It almost always ends with: just one more round.