Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Publisher: Ubisoft
Reviewed On: PS5
Available On: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date: June 30, 2026
Review Copy Provided By: Ubisoft
I started buying and playing different Monopoly board games back in 2022. It all started with Monopoly: Jurassic Park, a version that surprised me with its unique mechanics and made every game night with friends something to look forward to. Since then, I’ve added Monopoly: The Mandalorian and even the refreshed classic Monopoly to my collection.
Ubisoft invited me to review Monopoly Star Wars: Heroes vs. Villains early. At first glance, it looks like another digital version of Monopoly with a Star Wars skin slapped on top. After a couple of matches, though, it became obvious that Ubisoft wasn’t trying to recreate the classic board game. Instead, it took Monopoly’s foundation and built something that’s much faster, more competitive, and surprisingly fun.
Unlike traditional Monopoly, where the objective is to bankrupt everyone else, Heroes vs. Villains revolves around earning Influence Points (IP). The team with the highest score wins once the match ends. You still buy properties, complete color sets, and upgrade them into Outposts and Bases, so the familiar Monopoly formula is still there.
The biggest difference is that no property is ever truly yours. Whenever an opposing player lands on one of your properties, they can spend Credits to buy it away from your team. That immediately shifts Influence Points to their side, and if you’ve already upgraded that location, they can even downgrade it before leaving. It completely changes how every turn feels. Instead of hoping your opponents land on your properties for rent, you’re silently wishing they don’t have enough Credits to steal them.
It’s a simple mechanic, but it creates a constant tug-of-war that keeps everyone engaged. Even if your team falls behind early, a few smart steals can completely turn the game around. It also prevents matches from dragging on, something that traditional Monopoly is infamous for.
Another feature that keeps every game fresh is the GO Events. Every time someone passes GO, a random event affects everyone on the board. The most common reward you get after you win a dice-based game during the Go Event is Influence Points, and when your teammate successfully wins the dice-based round, you’ll get additional rewards. They’re unpredictable enough to keep players on their toes without completely relying on luck. The icing on top is the iconic moments shown during the Go Events — from the destruction of the Shield Generator in The Empire Strikes Back, or when the Death Star fired at Jedha. There’s a lot of great scenes that makes the entire Go Event feel so exciting.
Being a Star Wars game, the heroes and villains aren’t simply cosmetic choices either. Each character comes with abilities that give your team different advantages throughout the match. Some help with resource generation while others gets discounts when purchasing tiles and an ability to summon Stormtroopers like Darth Vader. It’s a small addition, but it encourages players to experiment with different team compositions instead of always picking their favorite Jedi or Sith.
Presentation is another area where Ubisoft deserves credit. The board is filled with recognizable Star Wars locations, and seeing familiar heroes and villains move around while the game throws references from across the galaxy adds plenty of charm. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the little details scattered throughout each match.
Of course, Heroes vs. Villains is at its best with other people. While you can play with AI teammates and opponents, the real fun comes from coordinating with friends in 2v2 or 3v3 matches. Planning which properties to prioritize, arguing over which opponent to pressure, and watching someone lose a fully upgraded Base because they landed on the wrong tile creates the same kind of memorable moments that have made Monopoly a staple during family game nights.
That said, the game isn’t perfect. Luck still plays a huge role because dice rolls ultimately dictate how the match unfolds, and the AI doesn’t always make the smartest decisions. If you’re planning to play solo most of the time, you probably won’t enjoy it as much as those who regularly play with friends.
Still, Ubisoft deserves credit for making Monopoly feel exciting without losing what makes the board game recognizable. Monopoly Star Wars: Heroes vs. Villains keeps matches moving, encourages teamwork, and introduces enough new mechanics to make every round feel competitive until the very end.
If you’re a Star Wars fan looking for a board game to enjoy with family or friends, this is an easy recommendation. It may not replace classic Monopoly, but it’s different enough that it earns its place alongside it.
Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains (PS5)
If you're a Star Wars fan looking for a board game to enjoy with family or friends, this is an easy recommendation. It may not replace classic Monopoly, but it's different enough that it earns its place alongside it.
The Good
- Fast-paced Monopoly gameplay
- Property stealing mechanic
- Team-based gameplay
- Unique Hero and Villain abilities
- Great Star Wars presentation
The Bad
- Solo play against AI loses much of the excitement
- Limited long-term replayability
- AI-controlled teammates are frustrating
