Matthew Bailey“K-Pop Demon Hunters” has been a massive phenomenon in our house over the summer, with Henry basically deciding he wants to be a K-Pop Demon Hunter and singing all the songs on repeat. Unlike most films, Netflix clearly had no idea this was going to be such a huge hit, essentially becoming the new Frozen, and as a result there was no merchandise ready to go. Because of that, companies have been scrambling to get products out in time for Christmas.
If you have a big K-Pop Demon Hunters fan at home, a small word of warning. Right now, the only legitimate products you can really buy are the pre-released Funko Pops, this card game, and a limited range of licensed clothing. Most other things you may see online, such as dolls or mini-figures, are counterfeit and generally very low quality.
Readers of this site will know that I am not exactly a fan of “Monopoly” as a whole, but “Monopoly Deal” has always been the exception. It is a genuinely decent card game, and I was really pleased to see a themed version using the K-Pop Demon Hunters licence, especially one that somehow managed to sneak out just before Christmas.
The core of “Monopoly Deal” is very simple. Players take turns drawing cards, playing up to three cards per turn, and trying to be the first to collect three complete sets. Cards can be used as fans (money), items (properties), or actions, allowing you to steal cards, force trades, charge other players rent, or protect your own sets. It is fast, chaotic, and far more interactive than classic Monopoly, usually wrapping up in 15 to 20 minutes.
In this version, you can also choose to play as one of Huntr/x, as well as Jinu or the fan favourite Derpy. Each character gives you a special power, often triggering at the start of your turn, and these add a nice bit of flavour without overcomplicating the game.
The theming actually works surprisingly well. You are gaining fans rather than money, and the action cards feel nicely tied into the world of the show. “Monopoly Deal” has long been recognised as a much better game than its older sibling, and that really shines through here. I am genuinely pleased this exists, especially as the alternative would almost certainly have been a K-Pop Demon Hunters Uno instead.
Component quality is exactly what you would expect from a licensed “Monopoly Deal” game, solid cards, clear iconography, and artwork that fans of the show will immediately recognise.
If you have a little K-Pop Demon Hunter in your life who is desperate for something from the series this Christmas, this is a really good option, and one I would comfortably recommend.
*DEFINITELY IF BUYING FOR A FAN OF THE FILM
