Rolling Realms: Review
Information:
Mechanics: Roll and Write, Bingo
Player Age: 14+ Player Count: 1 - 6 PlayersTime to Play: 30 Minutes
Game Designer: Jamey Stegmaier
Player Age: 14+
Game Designer: Jamey Stegmaier
Introduction:
Rolling Realms is a roll-and-write game played over the course of three rounds where players are going to journey through nine realms (three per round). Each realm is based on a Stonemaier Games production and will have its own mini game representing the larger game it is based on. Each realm will give the player stars that equal points and resources that can be used to modify dice values.
Game Anatomy:
Dice:
Every round two large dice are rolled. All players will generally use one die value on one realm and the other value on another realm, leaving one realm untouched for that round.
Realms:
Each realm is based off one of a larger game in the Stonemaier catalogue.
Through promo expansions there are realms that have been based on other popular games. Each realm has a rule explanation at the top of the card, the mini-game in the middle, and a summary on obtaining stars and a scoring section to keep track of them at the bottom.
Score Cards:
The score card keeps track of each number rolled every turn and also how many stars are achieved in each of the three rounds. There is also a section to record the total star amount for the whole game.
Resource Cards:
Each realm has its own unique way for players to gain resources. These resources consist of either a pumpkin, heart or coin. On this card players will keep track of their gained resources, first marking when they are unlocked, then marking them off as they are used. The unspent resources will equate to 0.1 of a star at the end of the round before being erased between rounds.
Setup:
Each player will receive;
- An identical set of cards (identified by the same coloured backs).
- a dry-erase marker and eraser pad.
- a score card and resource card.
Round Setup:
- Erase the realms of the previous round.
- One player shuffles their realms and reveals three to play this round.
- Erase the recorded dice rolls of the previous round, as well as the resources on both track cards.
- Each other player finds those realms to be played this round.
How to Play:
Gameplay is simultaneous, the two dice are rolled and each player will note the numbers on their score card. Players will then choose two of the three realms in front of them to use a number. Each die can only be used once and no realm can be activated twice. This rule can be bypassed by spending resources and activating a corresponding ability. Any amount of these abilities can be activated on a turn if the resources are available. After 9 turns, each player scores one point for each star earned and 0.1 point for each unused resource. After three rounds the player with the highest cumulative score is the winner.
Final Thoughts:
- So much variability in realms and how they play.
- The basic rules are intuitive and memorable, and all other rules are explained on the realms.
- Resources are great to bend the round in your favour but also require you to gain them from the realms which isn't always easy.
- The realms are mostly themed off board games, very unique.
Rolling Realms is straight up getting a Go To Golden Seal. This is a game I have had in my collection for a while and is high in my top five of the roll/flip-and-write genre. Plus, I am a sucker for modularity and variation. Through Stonemaier Games’ direct releasing every couple of months, there is currently 34 realms to play and the majority of these are unique and interesting.
There are some realms of lesser interest but honestly not many. If you enjoy roll-and-write games with tonnes of variability and a fun nod to your personal collection, then Rolling Realms is a game you should add right now.
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