Rollecate (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rollecate is a card game designed by Michiel de Wit and released in in 2019. It is published by Gam’inBIZ and falls under the categories of Card Game and Trains. The game is designed for 1-4 players with a runtime of 10-15 minutes and is suitable for ages 8 and up. The artwork for the game is done by Miša Jovanovic and Michiel de Wit.

Game Components of Rollecate

55 playing cards

4 custom dice

A wooden train figure (or a scale 1:87 white metal miniature locomotive in the Kickstarter edition).

How To Setup Rollecate

To set up Rollecate, players start by drawing a set of cards and placing the train figure at the beginning of the track. The deck is shuffled, and each player receives a starting hand. The remaining cards are placed face down to form the draw pile. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting cards and the train is positioned at the start of the track.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces the train can move.

Hand Management: Players manage their cards to play sets and sequences.

Network and Route Building: Players build the track for the train to move on.

Set Collection: Players collect sets of cards to play.

Tile Placement: Players place cards to extend the track.

Press Your Luck: Players take risks by rolling dice to move the train.

Game Objective:

The goal is to get the locomotive moving without taking too many penalties.

Players draw cards, pass, or build the track by playing cards.

The game ends when the deck runs out, and the player with the lowest score (fewest penalties) wins.

Player Experience

Playing Rollecate is an engaging and challenging experience that combines strategic thinking with a bit of luck. Players must balance the need to move the train forward with the risk of taking penalties. The game’s bright and colorful design makes it visually appealing, and its short playtime (10-15 minutes) makes it accessible to a wide range of players, including those as young as 8 years old.

Pros

Portable and Versatile: Easy to bring and play anywhere with 1-4 players.

Colorful and Fun: Bright design and engaging gameplay.

Quick Playtime: Games last only 10-15 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Combines strategy with a bit of luck, making it appealing to various players.

Cons

Table Space: The game can spread out quickly and may go off the edge of the table if not managed carefully.

Penalty Management: Taking penalties can be frustrating, especially if Rollecate derails.

Dice Roll Reliability: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can be unpredictable.

Personal Thoughts on Rollecate

Rollecate is a great game for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a quick, fun experience. It challenges players to think tactically while also enjoying the randomness of dice rolls. The game’s theme and mechanics make it particularly appealing to train enthusiasts and fans of tile-laying games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex, long-duration games or those who prefer games with less reliance on luck. Overall, Rollecate is a cute, innovative game that offers a unique blend of strategy and excitement.

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