Root Review - with Tom Vasel

Tom Vasel takes a look at Root, an asymmetrical strategy game from Leder Games!

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#dicetower #thedicetower

00:00 - Introduction
01:19 - Game Overview
10:49 - Final Thoughts

[Azambujo]

Wow. I was already happy for backing it, after hearing your thoughts about it, I’m even more! I gotta say that the asymmetry part scared me first when I heard about it (was the main reason why always stayed away from Vast) but then the theme and components sold it for me.

[evanstowers]

Thank you to all the kickstarter supporters and to the creators of this game and thank you for this review! This game looks absolutely great and is very inspiring! Keep up the good work yall!

[KK-izus]

12:21 That's exactly what happened in my first game! The woodland alliance came out of nowhere to win the game because as the cat faction, I concentrated too much on the Eyrie faction and the woodland alliance took control of the middle of the board with their bases and in two turns they made the last 10 points or so to win the game.

[houstong]

The art style reminds me of Night in the woods. Very cute!

[neeleyfolk]

Was going to mention Redwall series, when my daughter was young we read that series together, Highly recommended.

[dTones]

Really hyped for this. Between Root and John Company I'd say Cole Wehrle is really showcasing his talent as a designer.

[AhJong]

Very cool, I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about this game and a Dicetower review was exactly what I needed. Thanks Tom!

[christopherrotella]

This game looks really interesting. I think it would be a good pick for a live play.

[fredmcmack]

Whew! Glad it's good. My Kickstarter copy should be showing up one of these days...

[hoodwink]

The setting and situation of this board game should be made into an animated movie or TV series using the same style of art.

[Paddycake_Games]

I played this for the first time tonight. MAN this game is fun! We had the expansion so we played a 5 player game with some of the new factions. My first game I was the birds and I found it hilarious when my empire fell apart because I could finish my decrees. The second time we did the coop variant and I played the lizard cult from the expansion. Such interesting mechanics like having to plan your discards so that you can set yourself up to score points then planning what to keep so you can expand your influence... it’s surprisingly simple, yet deeply complex. I’m definitely getting it.

[the_wake_]

I got to try Root out at International Tabletop Day this April. It really blew me away; in fact it's the game that got me really seriously into hobby gaming.

The asymmetry is a major selling point. And unlike Vast (also from Leder Games), Root has an underlying rules architecture that really focuses the game and makes it an easier learn. Coupled with great art and incredibly fun, innovative mechanics, this is easily my most anticipated game of 2018 to date.

I have a hunch we're going to be hearing a lot of this one in the near future.

[arnosaxena]

Backed this one :) I'm so glad I decided to do so :D

[NOTBOBROBERTS]

Had the opportunity to play this at Cascade Con in Bellingham, Washington this weekend. Loved the game so much that my friends and I played it 3 times over the course of the weekend. Got even luckier when a copy came up for sale on the Flea Market table so I grabbed it up. This is a game my friends and I will definitely get to the table on a regular basis.

[alexanderkoutsouris]

Hi Tom, great review. You definitely made me more interested in it.

With regards to the innovative part, the game is based on the COIN system, which "features Volko Ruhnke's game system presenting modern (Andean Abyss, Cuba Libre, A Distant Plain, Fire in the Lake, & Colonial Twilight), historic (Liberty or Death), and ancient (Falling Sky & Pendragon) guerrilla warfare and COunterINsurgencies around the world".

Just wanted to let you know since you'll probably get a few comments about it.

Finally, thanks for all the great work you've put in for board gaming over the years. I've spent countless hours over the years listening to the Dice tower crew.

[ImperatorZed]

This is my absolute favorite game period. Great to see Tom liked it too :)

[fanlages]

Can't wait to get my ks copy... Guess it's gonna take a while since I'm in Brazil.

[TEKahuna]

There are 6x Factions if you were a backer and the game can fit all into a single play-through.  The Backer version also allows solo play.

[Cryonicity]

I have always wanted to play Root. Thanks for making the game look great.

[TheShapingSickness]

A few concerns:

1. How easy is it to teach?
I'm always in charge of teaching new players and reading the rule books. That's always my job.

2. Does it feel like playing 4 different games in a single one? (due to asymmetry) I ask this because (as the teacher) it's always my job to advise and guide new players, so I would have to potentially learn all factions.

3. How long does it take to unpack? Setup? Re-setup? Pack?