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Rolling America (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Rolling America is a dice game released in 2015 by Gamewright. It is a solo or solitaire game that challenges players to fill in a map of America using dice rolls and strategic thinking. With a runtime of about 15 minutes, it is suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Game Components of Rolling America

  • 100 map sheets featuring a pixelated version of the United States
  • 7 custom dice with stars for pips, including one clear wild die
  • 1 red satin dice bag
  • Rules of Play in English and Spanish

    How To Setup Rolling America

    To set up the game, each player takes a map sheet and something to write with. All the dice are placed in the dice bag. The game starts with the player who most recently visited another state, and play proceeds clockwise. Each player will use the map sheet to fill in numbers based on the rolled dice.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:**
    – Dice Rolling
    – Area Placement
    – Special Abilities (color change, guard, duplicate)

  • Game Objective:**
    – Fill in the map of the United States with numbers rolled on the dice.
    – Neighboring states must have numbers that differ by no more than one.
    – Use special abilities to mitigate the randomness of the dice rolls.
    – Complete the map with the fewest mistakes (Xs) to win.

    Player Experience

    Rolling America combines the simplicity of rolling dice with the complexity of strategic placement. Players must carefully plan each move to ensure that the numbers they write down comply with the neighboring state rule. The game offers no downtime, as everyone plays simultaneously, making it fast-paced and engaging. The special abilities add an extra layer of strategy, allowing players to adapt to unexpected rolls. The game requires thoughtful decisions and a bit of luck, making it enjoyable for both casual and strategic players.

    Pros

  • Portable and Compact:** The game has a small footprint, making it easy to take on vacation.
  • No Downtime:** Everyone plays at the same time, ensuring continuous engagement.
  • Simple to Teach:** Easy to learn, but challenging to master.
  • High Replayability:** The randomness of the dice rolls ensures different outcomes each game.
  • Affordable:** Generally priced around $10.

    Cons

  • Complex Placement Rules:** The neighboring state rule can be tricky to manage.
  • Limited Map Space:** Some players might find the map sheets a bit small.
  • Dependency on Sheets:** The game uses paper sheets, which can run out over time.

    Personal Thoughts on Rolling America

    Rolling America is perfect for those who enjoy roll-and-write games with a strategic twist. It’s an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and even seasoned players looking for a quick, challenging game. The game’s portability and simplicity make it ideal for travel or quick game sessions. While it may not be deeply complex, it offers enough strategy to keep players engaged and thinking critically. If you’re looking for a light, fun, and strategic game that’s easy to learn but hard to master, Rolling America is a great addition to your collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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