Roadkill Rivals is a board game released in 2015, designed by Jolby & Friends and illustrated by Pygmy Giraffe Games. The game falls into the categories of Animals, Card Game, Humor, and Transportation, and is suitable for players aged 13 and above. With a runtime of 15-25 minutes, Roadkill Rivals can accommodate 2 to 6 players.
Game Components of Roadkill Rivals
Animal Cards: Represent different animals with strength values from 1 to 5, which indicate their point value at the end of the game. Each card has a “Key” symbol.Vehicle Cards: Represent vehicles with strength values from 2 to 6. Only two of the Vehicle cards provide points, each worth +1 point. These cards also have a “Key” icon.Roadside Cards: Allow players to take various actions. Some must be resolved immediately, while others can be used later. These cards also contribute to the “Key” limit.
How To Setup Roadkill Rivals
To set up the game, a community pool of four cards is dealt out for all players to access. This pool is replenished as players draw from it. Each player starts with no cards in their hand, and the game is ready to begin once the community pool is established.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Take a Community Card: Players can take a card from the community pool and add it to their hand.Create Roadkill: Players use Vehicle cards with a combined strength equal to or higher than the total strength of one or more Animal cards to create Roadkill. The used cards are moved to the player’s score pile.Wreck an Opponent’s Vehicle: Players can target an opponent’s Vehicle card with a smaller strength value using a Vehicle card with a strength of 5 or 6.Attack an Opponent’s Animal: Players can target an opponent’s Animal card with a larger strength Animal card, forcing the opponent to discard the targeted card.Game Objective: The goal is to score the most points by collecting Animal cards and using Vehicle cards to create Roadkill while disrupting opponents’ plans.
Player Experience
Players experience a mix of strategy and luck as they try to outmaneuver each other. The game requires predicting opponents’ actions and adjusting strategies accordingly. While the rules are simple and straightforward, the game involves a significant amount of interaction and sabotage, which can make scoring points challenging but engaging.
Pros
Quick and Exciting Gameplay: The game is designed for short play sessions, typically between 15-30 minutes.Simple and Straightforward Rules: Easy to learn and start playing quickly.High Interaction: Players constantly interact with each other, adding a social and competitive element.Strategic Depth: Requires predictive thinking and strategic planning to outmaneuver opponents.
Cons
Luck Factor: The draw of cards can significantly influence the game, especially in two-player games.Aggressive Gameplay: The game’s focus on sabotage can lead to frustration for some players, especially if they are consistently targeted.
Personal Thoughts on Roadkill Rivals
Roadkill Rivals is ideal for those who enjoy quick, competitive card games with a light-hearted but strategic twist. It is suitable for families with older children, teens, and adults due to its straightforward rules and interactive gameplay. However, the theme might not be appropriate for younger children. The game’s design makes it a great in-betweener for gaming sessions or an introduction to card games for new players.
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