Copenhagen: Roll & Write (2019) Board Game

Copenhagen: Roll & Write is a game that was released in 2019, designed by Markus Erdt. It is a roll and write game, which means players use dice to determine their actions and then write them down on a score sheet. The game is set in the colorful and vibrant city of Copenhagen, Denmark, where players compete to build the most attractive façade for their buildings.

Game Components of Copenhagen: Roll & Write

Facade sheets

Block of Player Sheets

5 Dice

Start player Ability tracks

Rules booklet

Pen (not included)

How To Setup Copenhagen: Roll & Write

To set up the game, each player takes one sheet from the player block and places it in front of them. The youngest player marks the start player box with an X. Each player also needs a pen. The game components include facade sheets, player sheets, dice, ability tracks, and a rules booklet. During setup, players cross out one of the size 4 tiles in each color and mark off the first two squares on one ability track of their choice.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll Dice: One player rolls the dice and chooses a facade shape based on the colors rolled.

Draw Facade Shape: The player draws the chosen facade shape on their building sheet.

Unlock Abilities: Other players use unused dice to mark ability tracks, unlocking special abilities for future turns.

Complete Rows and Columns: Players score points by completing rows or columns on their building sheet.

Coats-of-Arms: Completing a row or column with a coat-of-arms unlocks special actions, such as drawing additional facade blocks or marking off ability tracks.

Game End: The game ends when a player reaches or exceeds 12 points. The player with the most points wins, with tiebreakers determined by the fewest empty squares on the building sheet.

Player Experience

Copenhagen: Roll & Write offers a fast-paced and engaging experience with minimal downtime. Players are constantly involved, either rolling dice, drawing facade shapes, or unlocking abilities using the unused dice. The game’s design ensures that players are thinking strategically about how to complete their building facades efficiently while also planning their future moves based on the abilities they unlock.

Pros

Fast Gameplay: The game is quick to play, with minimal downtime between turns.

Strategic Depth: Players must strategically plan their moves and use abilities wisely.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for the whole family, making it a great addition to any game collection.

Compact: The game comes in a slim, portable box, similar to an old cassette box.

Cons

Limited Staying Power: The game may not have massive replayability, making it less appealing for those seeking long-term engagement.

Typographical Errors: There is a mention of a typo in the rulebook, which might slightly detract from the overall experience.

Personal Thoughts on Copenhagen: Roll & Write

Copenhagen: Roll & Write is an excellent choice for those who enjoy light, strategic games that are easy to learn but still offer a bit of complexity. It’s perfect for families or casual gamers looking for a game that can be played quickly without much setup. While it may not have the depth or replayability of more complex games, its charm and simplicity make it a delightful addition to any board game collection.

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