Root (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Root is a board game designed by Cole Wehrle and published by Leder Games in in 2018. It is set in a woodland world where various animal factions vie for control and dominance. The game has garnered critical acclaim for its unique asymmetrical gameplay and strategic depth.

Game Components of Root

Wooden pieces with unique expressions

Player mats

Cards with suits (bird, rabbit, fox, mouse) and crafting costs

Tokens for resources and structures

Board featuring various clearings and terrain

Dominance Cards

Player aid cards and guides

How To Setup Root

Setting up Root involves a structured process to ensure each faction is correctly initialized. Players start by setting up the board and their player mats in a specific order: the Marquise de Cat Faction, followed by the Eyrie Dynasties, the Woodland Alliance, and finally the Vagabond. Each faction’s setup can affect the others, so following the order is crucial. The back of the player mats provides a handy guide to walk players through the setup steps.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases: Each turn is divided into three phases – Birdsong, Daylight, and Evening.

Birdsong: Resource allocation and setup.

Daylight: Main actions such as movement, recruitment, and battles.

Evening: Recoup, resolve secret actions, and redraw cards.

Factions:

Marquise de Cat: Builds and harvests resources, expanding her reach.

Eyrie Dynasty: Forms a government to build roosts but risks collapse from poor planning.

Woodland Alliance: Gains sympathy and momentum.

Vagabond: Acts as a mercenary, completing tasks for other factions.

Objective: The first player to gain 30 Victory Points (VPs) wins, though this can be altered by playing Dominance Cards.

Player Experience

Root offers a deeply strategic and interactive experience, with high player engagement and direct combat. The game’s asymmetry means each faction plays uniquely, requiring players to understand and adapt to their specific mechanics. While the game’s artwork is whimsical and charming, the gameplay is intense and competitive, often surprising players who expect a lighter experience based on the theme.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: Unique and expressive wooden pieces.

Replayability: High due to the different play styles of each faction.

Deep Strategy: Encourages thoughtful planning and execution.

Asymmetric Design: Each faction has distinct mechanics and objectives.

High Player Interaction: Direct combat and strategic play against others.

Catch-Up Mechanic: Dominance Cards can change the game’s objective and balance.

Well-Organized Player Aids: Guides and player mats help in teaching and understanding the game.

Cons

Complexity: Can be confusing for new players due to the different learning curves for each faction.

Difficulty in Teaching: Requires dedicated time to understand the rules and mechanics.

Theme vs. Mechanics: The cute theme may mislead players about the game’s intensity and complexity.

Randomness in Combat: Combat outcomes can be influenced by dice rolls, adding an element of randomness.

Personal Thoughts on Root

Root is a game best suited for experienced gamers who appreciate deep strategy and unique mechanics. It is ideal for groups where all players are committed to learning and understanding the complex rules and factions. For those who enjoy direct player interaction and are willing to invest time in mastering the game, Root offers a highly rewarding and dynamic gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer lighter, more straightforward games.

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