Rob ‘n Run (2017) Board Game

Rob ‘n Run is a cooperative deduction board game released in in 2017. Designed by Marina Fahrenbach, Thomas Hussung, and Dominik Mayer, the game challenges players to work together to catch robbers in a bustling city. With a runtime of 45-60 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and up, Rob ‘n Run offers an engaging and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Rob ‘n Run

Safe cards

Tool cards

Clue cards

Police Station card with alarm trackers

Crew member and boss roles

Gold and alarm cubes

Building tiles

Dealer tokens

Memory aid cards

How To Setup Rob ‘n Run

To set up the game, players first arrange the building tiles into four quarters on the board. Each quarter contains 1-3 buildings. The Police Station card is placed with its alarms set to initial levels. Players choose their roles, with one player starting as the boss and the others as crew members. The safe cards are distributed behind the boss’s screen, and each player receives a set of tool cards. The clue cards are also prepared for the boss to use during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to crack safes and escape the police.

Role Rotation: Each round, a different player becomes the boss, giving clues to the crew members.

Clue System: The boss uses clue cards to hint at the tools needed to crack the safes.

Tool Matching: Crew members give the boss tool cards based on the clues.

Alarm System: Incorrect tools trigger alarms, making the game harder as it progresses.

Escape Mechanic: Players must move towards the airport while avoiding the police.

Dealer Interaction: Players can pay dealers to reduce the alarm levels.

Replayability: The game includes three scenarios and the option to create custom scenarios.

Player Experience

In Rob ‘n Run, players experience a thrilling cooperative adventure where teamwork and deduction are key. The game builds tension as the police close in, requiring strategic communication and quick decision-making. The roles of the boss and crew members offer different challenges, keeping the game engaging and dynamic.

Pros

Tension and Theme: The game effectively captures the tension of a heist, with the police constantly closing in.

Replay Value: Multiple scenarios and the ability to create custom levels enhance replayability.

Equal Roles: Both the boss and crew member roles are fun and challenging.

Memory Aids: Included memory aid cards help players remember which tools are not needed.

Cons

Board Layout: The board can be confusing for first-time players, with a layout that doesn’t clearly indicate the order of play.

Two-Player Experience: The game is less engaging with two players, as the reduced number of cards makes it easier to draw what is needed.

Theme Sensitivity: Some groups, especially families, might not appreciate the theme of robbing places.

Personal Thoughts on Rob ‘n Run

Rob ‘n Run is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative games with a strong emphasis on teamwork and strategic communication. It’s perfect for players looking for a game that combines deduction, strategy, and a bit of luck. However, families or groups sensitive to themes involving crime might want to consider other options. Overall, it’s a fun and challenging game that offers a unique heist experience.

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