Steven A. List reviewed "M.U.L.E." in "Space Gamer" No. 70. He commented that ""M.U.L.E." is simply a great game, a "tour de force" in programming and design, good family entertainment, educational and exciting. If you don't have a computer and disk drive, it may be worth the investment just to be able to play this." "The Addison-Wesley Book of Atari Software 1984" gave the game an overall A rating, stating that it "combines some of the best features of "Monopoly" with economic simulation games like while teaching "valuable lessons in economies in a fun way". The book noted that "when several people play, the game becomes involved and interactive". Two of "Zzap!64"s reviewers stated in 1985 that "M.U.L.E." was "an excellent trading game" and "recommended for both novice and skilled", while the third complained that he "found little [excitement ... nothing to keep me interested".