Board Game Break Time: Root

Board Game Break Time is a new feature we're bringing in, where we play board games and review them. 

Title: Root 
Manufacturer:  Leder Games
Designer: Cole Wehrle

Release Date: 2018

Game Type:  Strategy
Game Play Mechanisms: Hand Management, Area Control

# of Players : 2-4 Best 4

Ages: 10+

Play Time: 60-90 Minutes

  

Average Rating: 8.1

 
Average Rating: 4.1

I was so very excited to get this game. I watched a review and a game play of the game after seeing it featured on so many top ten lists. I knew I wanted it as soon as I saw the artwork. I am very aesthetic person and the artwork for this game is so freaking adorable. Its cartooning with a bit of a vintage flair with soft bright colors. SO  GORGEOUS!!!!! 

Now for the game play. The game is great not just in looks but in depth and play. We had another couple over to try this game out with us and they were new comers to the heavy games. Actually they are pretty new at board games beyond the classics. So we may have overwhelmed them a little with this game. It is a heavy multi-layered game. For new comers its a bit to learn. For my husband and I, we understood the rules and the instructions quite easily. They were well written and let me tell you this is a very well thought out, balanced, game. 

It will be hard to explain the total game play here because it has a lot of complexity....but it's so much fun! The game consists of hand management, area control, movement and battle. There are four factions in the game.... 

Raccoon- a vagabond who works alone... he will team up with other factions if it suits his needs. 

Cats- they want to take over and make lots of money off their business. 

The owls- they just want to bring monarchy back the to the lands

Woodland creatures (mice figures) - they are the rebellion. 

Each faction plays differently and have a different difficulty level. They all are pretty balanced to give the game a fair play. Each faction has their own special bonuses but one is not more advantageous than the other. 

The game works in turns and different actions. The point- to reach the end of the victory tracker first or take over all the lands with a special card. 

It is hard to explain any more than this as each faction has its way of winning and also each has different actions to take and different abilities. 

This is a very well thought out game and so much fun. Once you get past the learning of the game its a blast with depth and strong strategy elements... but in cute little cartoon creature way. Loads of fun. If you are starting the game with new players to the heavy gaming world....it will take a little longer to play... but for those experienced in heavy games and the elements of area control, hand management, and action phases..... it will be pretty easy to pick up and play. 

I recommend this game highly... so much FUN!!!!!

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What Michael Thought: 

This game has had a lot of interesting facets to the game play. Each faction or animal group has a different play style and ways to achieve its goal. And you have to think of your goal but also try to stop other players from achieving their goals. I played the Vagabond for the game and mostly was trading with people to gain favors for points and using items to complete quests. 

I only got one pawn to play with since I was the loan wolf type player, and could align myself with any player to get more points or share victory with them. I really like how I could choose what route to go and also like how well each group was able to do different actions to make for a unique game play. I think is a great game and well designed. Though it may not be for beginner type gamers as it is a lot to take it in at one time.  You can't watch other players to see what actions to take as you have to focus more on your goals.

I also really enjoyed the artwork and thematic elements of the game and is a great game just to look at. There is also a lot of replayability as you can play a different species with a whole different set of goals, plus there is a winter board on back with a whole different set up and play style. I recommend this highly for players who are 

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