Roll Player (2016) – Board Game Guys

Roll Player

Roll Player is a euro-style board game designed by Keith Matejka and published in 2016 by Thunderworks Games. The game is set in a medieval-fantasy world and allows players to compete in designing their own fantasy characters. Since its release, Roll Player has gained popularity due to its unique theme and engaging gameplay.

Why is Roll Player Popular?

Roll Player is popular for several reasons:
– Unique Theme: The game focuses on character creation, which is an interesting and engaging concept for players who enjoy role-playing games or have an interest in character development.
– Dice Placement: The game uses a dice-placement mechanism, which adds an element of strategy and skill to the character creation process.
– Replayability: Roll Player offers a variety of character classes, races, and abilities, allowing players to explore different combinations and strategies with each playthrough.
– Expansions: The game has several expansions available, such as Cartographers, Lockup: A Roll Player Tale, and Roll Player: Adventures, which further enhance the gameplay and replayability.

Game Components of Roll Player

70 dice (10 of each color) plus 13 gold dice

Character Sheets with different races (e.g., Human, Orc, Elf) each having +2 and -2 modifiers in specific stats

Class cards with special abilities

Alignment cards

Backstory cards

Market cards (including weapons, equipment, and skills)

Initiative cards

Gold coins

Player boards

Drawstring bag for dice

How To Setup Roll Player

To set up Roll Player, start by having each player randomly draw a die of a different color to determine their class. Each player then chooses a Character Sheet, selecting either the male or female side. Characters, except for Humans, have a +2 bonus in one stat and a -2 penalty in another. Each player receives 5 Gold, with additional Gold given to later players. Players also draw a Backstory card and an Alignment card, placing them on their Character Sheet. The Market is set up by splitting cards into single-dot and double-dot piles, shuffling them, and discarding a certain number based on the player count. Initiative cards are placed, and each card (except the first and last) receives a Gold coin. Finally, players draw a set number of dice from the bag based on the player count[5%.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Placement: Players place dice on their Character Sheet in the left-most available spot in each attribute row.

Dice Manipulation: Attributes have bonus actions that allow players to manipulate already-placed dice.

Market: Players can buy weapons, equipment, and skills from the market, which offer ongoing abilities or single-use skills.

Alignment and Backstory: Players aim to align their dice placements with their Backstory and Class goals for scoring.

Objective

The goal is to create a well-rounded character by placed dice to match Class, Backstory, and Alignment requirements.

Score points for meeting these requirements, as well as for Equipment, Traits, and the sum of dice in each attribute row.

Player Experience

Roll Player offers a unique blend of strategic dice placement and character building. Players are invested in crafting their characters, making each one uniquely theirs. The game involves a tangible and rewarding experience of placing dice, along with the strategic depth of manipulating dice and choosing market cards. The game is designed to be accessible to new players while still offering enough complexity for experienced gamers.

Pros

Engaging Theme: Creating an RPG character is a compelling theme that draws players in.

Strategic Depth: The game offers a mix of short-term and long-term strategies.

High Replayability: Random elements like Backstory, Class, and Market cards ensure different experiences each game.

Accessible: Easy to teach and play, even for less-experienced board gamers.

Cons

Luck of the Dice: Dice rolls can be unpredictable and sometimes frustrating.

Limited Direct Interaction: Players primarily focus on their own character, with minimal direct interaction.

Personal Thoughts on Roll Player

Roll Player is ideal for fans of RPGs and those who enjoy strategic dice games. It is a great choice for players looking for a game that combines character building with strategic planning. The game’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility makes it a good fit for both new and experienced board game enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a game that offers a unique blend of theme and mechanics, Roll Player is definitely worth considering.

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