Roll Player (2016) Board Game

Roll Player is a dice-based strategy game that was designed by Keith Matejka and released in 2016 by Thunderworks Games. The game combines elements of dice rolling, open drafting, role playing, set collection, and variable player powers to create a unique and engaging gameplay experience. With its fantasy theme and intricate character creation mechanics, Roll Player has gained a dedicated following among tabletop gaming enthusiasts.

Game Components of Roll Player

Character Sheets

Dice

Initiative cards

Market cards (Traits, Skills, Weapons, Armor)

Backstory cards

Class cards

Alignment cards

Race cards

Reputation Stars

How To Setup Roll Player

To set up Roll Player, each player starts with a character board, a randomly drawn class, alignment, and backstory. The dice are placed in a bag, and the market deck is shuffled and laid out. Each player receives their race card and a set of attribute rows on their character sheet. The game is divided into rounds, with each round consisting of four phases: the Roll Phase, the Dice Phase, the Market Phase, and the Cleanup Phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling and Drafting: Players roll and draft dice to build up their character’s attributes.

Card Drafting: Players purchase cards from the market representing Traits, Skills, Weapons, and Armor.

Attribute Manipulation: Players can manipulate dice using bonus actions associated with attribute rows.

Objective

The goal is to create the greatest fantasy adventurer by optimizing character stats, gear, and backstory.

Players earn Reputation Stars by matching their dice sets to their character’s optimal configuration.

The player with the greatest Reputation wins the game.

Player Experience

Roll Player offers a deeply engaging experience where players are heavily invested in crafting their unique characters. The game combines the strategic elements of dice placement and card drafting with the satisfaction of building a character from scratch. The tangible act of placing dice in attribute rows is particularly rewarding. The game’s mechanics, such as attribute manipulation and market strategy, provide ample opportunities for strategic play without overwhelming new players.

Pros

High Replayability: Randomly drawn cards and dice rolls ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Combines dice placement, card drafting, and attribute manipulation for a rich gaming experience.

Ease of Learning: Simple to learn but challenging to master.

Character Customization: Allows players to create highly personalized characters.

Market Dynamics: The card market adds a layer of strategy and competition.

Cons

Market Deck Issues in Fewer Players: In two- and three-player games, some powerful cards may be removed from the deck, potentially limiting options.

Length: Games can take slightly longer than the advertised 60-90 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Roll Player

Roll Player is an excellent choice for fans of character-building and dice-drafting games. It is particularly well-suited for players who enjoy strategic games but also appreciate the simplicity and accessibility that makes it easy to teach to newcomers. The game’s ability to balance complexity with ease of learning makes it a great addition to any board game collection. If you’re looking for a game that combines RPG elements with engaging gameplay mechanics, Roll Player is an outstanding option.

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