Escape: Roll & Write (2021) Board Game

Escape: Roll & Write is a tabletop game that was released in in 2021. It is designed by Oliver Schlemmer and published by Queen Games. It falls under the categories of Ancient, Dice, and Exploration, and features cooperative gameplay, dice rolling, paper-and-pencil mechanics, and set collection. The game is suitable for 2–4 players, with a recommended age of 8+.

Game Components of Escape: Roll & Write

Dice: A pool of 8 dice, identical to those used in the original game.

Player Pads: Dual-sided pads for each player, with one side for the normal game and the other for variants.

Shared Pad: A central pad for tracking shared symbols and rewards.

Meeples: Used to mark players’ locations on their sheets.

Rulebooks: Available in English, German, and other languages.

How To Setup Escape: Roll & Write

To set up the game, each player receives a personal pad and a set of meeples. The shared pad is placed in the middle of the table. The dice are prepared for rolling, and each player starts at the entrance of their personal temple section on their pad.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to escape the temple.

Dice Rolling: The active player rolls the dice two at a time and decides which dice to keep or lock.

Exploration: Players explore rooms by matching symbols on the dice to the room requirements.

Symbol Banking: Players mark symbols on the shared pad for future use.

Gem Collection: The goal is to collect a certain number of gems.

Exit Requirement: All players must reach their personal exit space on the last round to win.

Lock Mechanic: Certain dice rolls can lock dice, affecting the number of dice available.

Player Experience

Players experience a cooperative adventure where teamwork is crucial to navigating the temple. The game involves strategic decision-making about which dice to keep and how to use the symbols to move through the rooms. The shared pad system allows players to work together effectively, banking symbols for later use.

Pros

Cooperative Fun: A unique cooperative experience in the roll-and-write genre.

Consistent Mechanics: Uses the same dice and symbols as the original game, making it easier for familiar players to learn.

Colorful and Engaging: The pads are nice and colorful, enhancing the game’s visual appeal.

Flexible Play: Supports up to four players and can be played with a pseudo-solo variant by managing two boards.

Cons

Limited Replay Value: Some players find the game becomes repetitive over time.

Dice Dependency: The game’s outcome can heavily depend on dice rolls, leading to frustration if the right rolls are not achieved.

No Official Solo Variant: While a 2-player solo game can be managed, there is no official solo play option.

Personal Thoughts on Escape: Roll & Write

**Escape: Roll & Write** is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy roll-and-write mechanics. It is a great introduction to the genre for newcomers and offers a fresh spin for those familiar with the original **Escape: The Curse of the Temple**. However, players seeking high replay value or a robust solo experience might find it slightly lacking. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging game that fills a unique niche in the board game market.

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