Roll to the Top! (2018) Board Game

Roll to the Top! is a dice rolling board game designed by Peter Joustra and Corné van Moorsel. It was published by Cwali in 2018 and is suitable for players aged 9 and above. The game incorporates elements of bingo, dice rolling, paper-and-pencil, and racing mechanics, making it a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Roll to the Top!

Dice Pool: A set of dice used by all players.

Player Boards: Six different landmark boards, each representing a famous monument or natural feature.

Markers: For writing numbers on the boards.

Action Die: Determines the action to be taken after each roll.

Dry-erase Boards: For easy cleanup and reuse.

Postcards and Envelopes: Adding a narrative element to the game.

How To Setup Roll to the Top!

To set up the game, each player chooses a landmark board and a marker. The dice pool is initialized, and the action die is set aside. Players start at the bottom of their boards, ready to fill in numbers as they roll the dice.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: The active player rolls the dice in the pool.

Writing Numbers: Players write the rolled numbers or their sums on their boards, starting from the bottom and ensuring each number is equal to or larger than the numbers below it.

Action Phase: The action die determines whether to add, remove, or swap dice in the pool.

Objective: Be the first player to fill all spaces on their landmark board.

Player Experience

**Roll to the Top: Journeys** is a simple yet strategic game that encourages players to think about which numbers to write and when to take risks. The game is quick, lasting about 20 minutes, making it suitable for families and those looking for a light, enjoyable experience. The solo mode offers a different strategy, focusing on using the lowest numbers possible to fill the board quickly.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it accessible to players of all ages.

Quick Gameplay: Games last about 20 minutes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children aged 8 and up.

Varied Landmarks: Each board offers a unique challenge and strategy.

Improved Art and Components: Upgraded art and dry-erase boards enhance the playing experience.

Cons

Limited Depth: The game lacks complex strategies, making it too basic for some players.

No Catch-Up Mechanism: Falling behind can be difficult to recover from.

Dice Readability: The handwritten font on the dice can be tricky to read.

Personal Thoughts on Roll to the Top!

**Roll to the Top: Journeys** is perfect for those seeking a light, enjoyable roll-and-write game. It’s ideal for families, thematic exploration enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quick, strategic game. However, fans of more complex roll-and-write games like **Motor City** or **Three Sisters** might find it too simplistic. The game’s pleasant experience and easy gameplay make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate world monuments and natural features.

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