Rescuing Robin Hood (2021) Board Game

Rescuing Robin Hood is a cooperative board game released in 2021 by Castillo Games. Designed by Bryce Brown and featuring artwork by Paul Vermeesch, the game is set in a medieval theme where players work together to save the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood, from the clutches of the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Game Components of Rescuing Robin Hood

Villager cards that form the players’ decks

Sheriff’s Guard cards in medium and hard difficulty levels

Leader character cards (e.g., Maude Lindsey)

Token cards (Scouting, Food, Prayer)

Attribute tracker

Summary Cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Rescuing Robin Hood

To set up the game, players first distribute the Villager cards and the Sheriff’s Guard cards according to the number of players. Each player takes on a “leader” role with a unique character card. The game balance is adjusted based on the number of players using specific setup cards. Players organize the guards in rows, each row escorting at least one villager to the castle. The game includes Summary Cards that help in setting up the game, but for a more detailed overview, it is recommended to follow the intro letter and associated YouTube video link provided.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to rescue villagers and eventually Robin Hood.

Deck-Building: Players build their decks by recruiting rescued villagers.

Press-Your-Luck Attacks: Players must defeat rows of guards to rescue villagers.

Attribute Tracker: Players adjust their attribute trackers using card abilities.

Token Usage: Tokens like Scouting, Food, and Prayer help in combat and strategy.

Objective: Rescue Robin Hood by defeating the guards and optionally defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham for a major win.

Player Experience

In **Rescuing Robin Hood**, players engage in a highly interactive and cooperative experience. The game encourages discussion and strategic planning among players, as the Brawn and Jolly stats carry over to the next player, promoting teamwork. The game has a light-hearted tone with minimalist vector cartoon artwork and pun-filled villager names. It caters to both children and adults, with two difficulty levels and two solo modes, making it accessible and fun for a wide range of players.

Pros

High Interaction: Encourages team discussion and strategy.

Dual Difficulty Levels: Suitable for both children and competitive adults.

Solo Modes: Includes Multi-Band and Single-Band solo modes.

Thematic Consistency: Aligns well with the Robin Hood legend.

Fun Artwork: Light-hearted and charming vector cartoon style.

Cons

Luck Factor: Success depends on a mix of strategy and luck.

Optional Quest Confusion: The optional quest to defeat the Sheriff might feel less compelling after already winning by rescuing Robin Hood.

Personal Thoughts on Rescuing Robin Hood

**Rescuing Robin Hood** is an excellent choice for families and groups of friends looking for a cooperative game that fosters teamwork and strategy. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy deck-building and press-your-luck mechanics. The game’s ability to cater to both beginners and advanced players makes it versatile and engaging for a wide audience. However, those who prefer games with less luck involved might find the random elements slightly frustrating. Overall, it’s a fun and thematic game that brings the legend of Robin Hood to life in an interactive and entertaining way.

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