Roam (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Roam is a card game published by Red Raven Games in in 2019. Designed by Ryan Laukat, the game takes players on an adventure through a mystical land filled with ancient ruins and legendary creatures. With beautiful artwork by Ryan Laukat himself, Roam combines elements of strategy, exploration, and area control to create a unique gaming experience.

Game Components of Roam

Adventurer Cards: Over 50 unique, tarot-sized cards featuring characters from Near and Far, Above and Below, and Islebound. Each card has a character on one side and a landscape split into six squares on the other.

Search Tokens: Cubes in different colors for each player to mark their search areas.

Coins: Used for special actions and purchasing artifacts.

Artifacts: Cards with useful powers that can be bought using coins.

Gem Maps: Optional variant cards that add an extra layer of strategy.

Outpost Card: An optional card that can provide additional points.

Player Aids: Includes aids for the first player and other helpful references.

How To Setup Roam

To set up Roam, each player starts with a set of starting characters and matching colored cubes. The adventurer cards are shuffled, and a 3×2 grid of these cards is created in the center of the playing area, with three cards facing one direction and three facing the opposite. Players sit facing one edge of the map, aligning their starting characters to point towards the map. The game also includes setting up coins and optionally, Gem Maps and the Outpost Card.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players place search tokens on the board to cover landscape cards. The player who covers the most squares on a card claims it and adds the new adventurer to their party.

Character Recruitment: Each new adventurer card adds a new search pattern and points to the player’s collection.

Coin Collection: Players gain coins by covering coin symbols on the map, which can be used to buy artifacts or special actions.

Artifact Usage: Artifacts have useful powers to bend the game rules.

Game End: The game ends when one player has ten adventurers in their party. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Roam offers a light and visually engaging gameplay experience. Players need to strategically place their search tokens, considering the shapes and orientations of their adventurer cards. The game requires some forward thinking to block opponents and maximize token placement. Despite being competitive, the game lacks direct conflict, making it suitable for casual gamers and those looking for a light, fun experience.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: Lavish illustrations by Ryan Laukat add to the game’s aesthetic appeal.

Unique Mechanics: The use of perspective and shape placement makes the game interesting and challenging.

Light and Easy to Learn: Perfect for casual gamers and those new to board games.

High Replayability: Multiple ways to play, including optional variants like Gem Maps and Hardcore Mode.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game is relatively light and may not appeal to experienced gamers looking for complex strategies.

Rulebook Issues: Some players have found the rulebook to be somewhat confusing and not well-organized.

Less Player Interaction: While competitive, the game does not involve direct conflict or significant player interaction.

Personal Thoughts on Roam

Roam is ideal for those seeking a light, visually appealing board game that is easy to learn and fun to play. It is a great choice for family game nights or for introducing new players to the world of board games. The game’s unique mechanics and beautiful artwork make it a solid addition to any board game collection, especially for fans of Ryan Laukat’s other works. However, experienced gamers might find it too light and lacking in depth.

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