Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes Vs. Villains, released on June 30, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, is a peculiar crossover that reimagines the classic board game with Star Wars theming. Published by Ubisoft and developed by Behaviour Interactive, it aims to build new gameplay ideas around the familiar Monopoly board, adding Star Wars lore, characters, and locations. However, it lacks John Williams' iconic score due to licensing costs, but features narration from Anthony Daniels as C-3PO and other original voice actors.
Team-Based Gameplay and Influence Points
Unlike traditional Monopoly, players must compete in teams of 2 vs. 2 or 3 vs. 3, with AI filling any gaps. Victory is determined by influence points earned after passing Go a set number of times. The maximum of eight points takes just over an hour, while shorter games feel more reliant on chance. Each turn involves rolling dice, moving, and deciding whether to buy properties. If a property is already owned without buildings, players can acquire it by paying double face value. Outposts and bases replace houses and hotels, and rent must be paid if the player lacks credits.
Star Wars Flavor and Special Abilities
Chance cards are replaced with events like a Hutt beauty pageant, and Canto Bight squares allow betting on die rolls. Characters have special abilities, such as Rey picking a fight with a Dark Side player to steal 300 credits, or Darth Vader calling stormtroopers to commandeer a property. These abilities have multi-turn cooldowns to prevent spamming, but they are often used as soon as available rather than strategically.
AI Turns and Solo Play Issues
With a minimum of four players required, solo play means watching AI-controlled characters take their turns, which are not skip-able. This results in players being spectators for at least 75% of playtime. AI teammates always purchase properties and use abilities as soon as cooldowns allow, reducing interactivity. Local multiplayer is more enjoyable, with social banter and appreciation of Star Wars details like the Jedi Temple on Coruscant replacing Mayfair.
Presentation and Verdict
The game is polished with holographic images of planets above owned property sets. Die-rolling challenges are disguised with Star Wars themes and mini cutscenes, and sending characters to carbonite jail never gets old. However, for Monopoly purists, New Monopoly (2024) offers a more faithful digital experience. Star Wars Heroes Vs. Villains is a faster, less tedious party game that sacrifices strategic depth. It scores 6/10, praised for its Star Wars touches and presentation, but criticized for tedious AI turns and overreliance on dice rolls.
