RUMBLESLAM (2016) Board Game

RUMBLESLAM is a fantasy wrestling board game that was released in in 2016. Designed by Mateusz Bielski, this game allows players to control their own team of wrestlers in a fast-paced and action-packed battle in the ring.

Game Components of RUMBLESLAM

10 Wrestler miniatures

10 bases

15 Character and Reference cards

One Neoprene Game Mat (12 x 12 square mat resembling a ring)

40 acrylic counters

16 dice (copper, silver, gold, and crowd-pleaser dice)

How To Setup RUMBLESLAM

To set up RUMBLESLAM, each player selects a team of wrestlers and places them on the Neoprene Game Mat. The game includes two pre-assembled teams in the starter box, typically a mostly heroic and a mostly monstrous team. Players also need to distribute the character cards, counters, and dice accordingly. The mat is set up to resemble a wrestling ring, including turnbuckles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to clear the ring of all opposing wrestlers within five rounds.

Wrestler Stats: Each wrestler has four stats (attack, defense, grapple, and dexterity), each granting a number of dice to roll.

Dice Mechanics: Uses four types of six-sided dice (copper, silver, gold, and crowd-pleaser) with different effects; higher-value dice cause more damage.

Actions and Abilities: Wrestlers have unique actions, abilities, and a Crowd Pleaser action that interacts with the crowd-pleaser dice.

Knockdowns and Knockouts: Wrestlers can be knocked down or out, with potential for recovery based on crowd reactions.

Reversals: Defenders can reverse attacks if their defense roll is high enough.

Player Experience

RUMBLESLAM offers a light-hearted, luck-based fantasy wrestling experience that is easy to pick up but tricky to master. The game balances tactics with fun, over-the-top antics, making it enjoyable for players who like a mix of strategy and randomness. The crowd-pleaser mechanic adds an element of unpredictability, encouraging players to be creative and engaging.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Fun and Engaging: Combines tactics with light-hearted, entertaining gameplay.

Unique Mechanics: The use of different dice types and crowd reactions adds a unique twist.

Cool Miniatures: High-quality, detailed miniatures enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game relies heavily on dice rolls, which can be frustrating for some players.

Limited Initial Teams: The starter box includes only two teams, which might limit initial variety.

Non-Realistic: The game’s mechanics are not based on real-world physics, which can be off-putting for some.

Personal Thoughts on RUMBLESLAM

RUMBLESLAM is ideal for players who enjoy a blend of strategy and randomness in a fun, light-hearted setting. It’s perfect for those who appreciate fantasy wrestling and are looking for a game that can be played within a relatively short time frame (about 45 minutes). The game’s unique mechanics and high-quality components make it a great addition to any tabletop gaming collection. However, players seeking highly realistic or deeply complex games might find it less appealing.

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