Rocky Mountain Man (2020) Board Game

Rocky Mountain Man is a board game released in 2020 by a group of designers known as Commode Ministrels in Bullface, Manifester, MarderIII, Victoria Shen, and Wizard

The game takes place in the American West during the 19th century, where players take on the role of rugged mountain men seeking adventure and fortune in the untamed wilderness.

Game Components of Rocky Mountain Man

Map that can be drawn on and erased with tissue paper

Crayons for marking terrain

Counters for players and pack mounts

Rulebook with turn sequence and terrain keys

Seasonal cards for campaign games

Exploration cards and war path cards

Mountain man counters

Rations, rifles, and horses

Tribe policy table and rendezvous table

Various cards for encounters, geography, and discoveries.

How To Setup Rocky Mountain Man

Setting up the game involves several steps. First, players need to cut out the various cards, including seasonal cards, exploration cards, and war path cards. The map is prepared by using crayons to mark the terrain as it is explored. Players outfit their crew by allocating horses, pack mounts, rations, and rifles. The game also requires setting up the tribe policy table and the rendezvous table. For a solo game, certain counters and components can be set aside.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mapping and Exploration: Players explore new hexes by drawing cards to determine terrain, rivers, and encounters.

Resource Management: Manage rations, rifles, horses, and pack mounts to sustain the expedition.

Encounters: Interact with indigenous tribes through trading, befriending, or fighting.

Seasonal Changes: Adjust strategies based on seasonal changes and weather conditions.

Goal: The ultimate objective is to gather enough resources to build a trading post, which can take several years in the game’s timeline.

Player Experience

Playing **Rocky Mountain Man** is a immersive and often unpredictable experience. The game requires careful planning and resource management as players navigate the challenges of early 19th-century mountain exploration. Encounters with indigenous tribes and natural hazards add a layer of complexity and unpredictability. The game’s use of crayons to map the terrain and its reliance on card draws and dice rolls create a dynamic and story-driven experience. Players can choose how to interact with the environment and the tribes they encounter, leading to a unique narrative each time the game is played.

Pros

Immersive Storytelling: Generates a rich narrative through player choices and random events.

Deep Resource Management: Requires careful planning and strategy to manage resources effectively.

Historical Accuracy: Reflects the challenges and practices of early mountain men.

High Replayability: Different outcomes each playthrough due to random card draws and dice rolls.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires cutting out cards and setting up various components.

Table-Lookup Heavy: Involves frequent references to tables and cards, which can be tedious.

Unpredictable Outcomes: Can be frustrating due to the high level of randomness and potential for severe setbacks.

Personal Thoughts on Rocky Mountain Man

**Rocky Mountain Man** is ideal for players who enjoy historical simulations, resource management, and narrative-driven games. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate solo or simultaneous solitaire gameplay, as it offers a unique and engaging experience in both modes. The game’s complexity and reliance on table lookups may not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy a challenging and immersive experience, **Rocky Mountain Man** is a standout title. It is also a great choice for players looking to create a journal or narrative alongside their gameplay, as it naturally generates stories through its mechanics.

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