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R.OC (2003) Board Game

ByMichail

R.OC is a board game released in 2003, designed by Christophe Gautier and featuring artwork by Sarl Selene. The game falls under the categories of Economic, Medieval, Negotiation, Political, and Religious, making it a complex and strategic game focused on various aspects of gameplay.

Game Components of R.OC

  • Game board depicting the Languedoc region
  • Feudal holdings and territory tiles
  • Event cards, including those related to the Cathar heresy and the Inquisition
  • Dice for resolving conflicts
  • Tokens for tracking power and resources
  • Factions’ markers and figures
  • Royal army tokens for France and Catalonia
  • Marriage and alliance cards for joint victories

    How To Setup R.OC

    Setup involves distributing the feudal holdings among the players, each representing one of the four great feudal families. Players start by placing their markers on their respective holdings on the board. The event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player begins with a set amount of resources and power tokens. The rules are slightly modified for two- and three-player games.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:** Dice Rolling, Point to Point Movement, Simulation
  • Objective:** Acquire sufficient power to do homage to the relevant sovereign and call on royal armies to intervene. Capture an enemy capital to achieve victory.
  • Alliances:** Form alliances through marriage to aim for joint victories.
  • Event Cards:** Manage historical events such as the Cathar heresy and the Inquisition.
  • Resource Management:** Balance economic, dynastic, and military aspects.

    Player Experience

    Playing R.OC is an immersive experience that delves deep into the complexities of medieval power struggles. Players must navigate through political negotiations, economic strategies, and military conflicts. The game requires a blend of short-term tactics and long-term planning, making it engaging and challenging. The historical context adds a layer of authenticity, making the gameplay feel more meaningful.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.
  • Historical Depth:** Incorporates historical events and figures, adding educational value.
  • Interactive:** Encourages negotiation and alliance-building among players.
  • High Replayability:** Multiple paths to victory and variable setup ensure different experiences each time.

    Cons

  • Language Barrier:** The game is a French-language production, which can be a barrier for non-French speakers.
  • Lengthy Gameplay:** Games can last up to 180 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.
  • Expensive:** Considered a lavish and expensive game.
  • Complex Rules:** Steep learning curve due to the intricate mechanics and historical context.

    Personal Thoughts on R.OC

    R.OC is for hobby gamers who appreciate deep strategy, historical themes, and complex gameplay mechanics. It is ideal for those interested in medieval history and willing to invest time in learning the rules. The game’s complexity and length make it less suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted experience. However, for those who enjoy immersive and challenging games, R.OC offers a rewarding and engaging experience.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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