On the Rocks (2021) Board Game

On the Rocks is a board game released in 2021 by designer Christina Pittre and published by 25th Century Games. This game is a dice rolling game that incorporates elements of open drafting, push your luck, set collection, and take that mechanics. It is designed for 1-4 players, with the best experience being with 2 players. The game has a runtime of 45-90 minutes and is suitable for players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of On the Rocks

Marbles

Cocktail recipe cards

Player boards

Money and tip tokens

Various game tokens and markers

How To Setup On the Rocks

To set up the game, players start by organizing the cocktail recipe cards, which outline the specific marbles needed to complete each drink. Each player receives a player board and a set of money and tip tokens. The marbles are placed in a central pool, and the game is divided into three rounds. Players take turns drafting marbles to fulfill their drink orders efficiently.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Marble Drafting: Players select marbles to fulfill cocktail recipes.

Cocktail Recipe Fulfillment: Complete drink orders using the drafted marbles.

Time Management: Fill orders quicker than opponents to earn more money and tips.

Game Objective: Earn the most money and tips by efficiently completing cocktail recipes.

Player Experience

On the Rocks offers a fun and thematic experience, with a beautiful game design that immerses players in a bustling cocktail bar environment. Players must strategically draft marbles to complete their orders quickly, making it a game that requires a balance of speed and strategy.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s cocktail bar theme is well-executed and engaging.

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: The marble drafting mechanism adds a layer of strategy.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages, including children.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Some players might find the game repetitive after several rounds.

Luck Factor: The availability of marbles can introduce an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on On the Rocks

On the Rocks is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light to medium-weight game that is both fun and thematic. It’s perfect for those who enjoy strategic planning and quick decision-making. However, players seeking high replayability or complex strategies might find it less appealing. Overall, it’s a great addition to any game collection for those who enjoy a mix of speed and strategy in a beautifully presented package.

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