Rolling Realms First Impressions
Rolling Realms is a Roll & Write game set in various realms as you can imagine.
But are these ‘realms’ any good?
In Rolling Realms, players compete to earn the most stars in a series of minigames over 3 rounds.
Rolling Realms Game Play
Players get a set of realms cards, a resource card, scorecard and marker.
One player reveals 3 random realms from their set and everyone copies them to put the same 3 out into play.
A player rolls the 2 dice and players use these numbers in their realms. You must use each die once and in two different realms so you’ll fill in two boxes each turn.
Each realm has its own rules somewhat based on the game they represent. Here you can see I have Between Two Castles, Between Two Cities and Scythe. The rules for the realm are printed on each card and can affect where and why dice are placed.
Each of the realms scores differently too. So Between Two Castles scores for completed rows, Scythe scores for each box on the bottom row that is marked off and Between Two Cities scores the lowest of your other two realms.
After 9 rounds of this you add up the scores. Of course, each realm scores differently and will depend on the theme for that realm.
On a different card, you mark off resources you collect that can be used to take bonus actions and to pay for dice placement. Scythe for example needs you to spend resources to place in those bottom boxes that score points.
The remaining resources at the end of a round are worth 0.1 points each.
After scoring, you will draw 3 new realms for round two and after 3 rounds the player with the most total points across the 3 rounds is the winner.
Theme
I mean, at the table I called this “narcissistic” and “self-involved” from Stonemeir Games.
It could have been anything else like Astrology or, Roman Gods or something. Literally anything more appealing. I’ve liked Stonemeir games in the past but I can only include Tapestry which I own and Viticulture which I enjoy as games I still like.
Setup
Not much here. Just make sure everyone has the same 3 realms and you’re good to go.
Components & Artwork
Very nice wipe boards and pens. The game is pretty clear in most cases.
But, the little rules on them are tiny and those that need specific clarification needed more work. See Scythe in the image above, a lot of small dark grey text on a black background. I think there is more detail on BGG and in the rulebook but it should really be on the card.
Ease of Teaching
It’s easy to teach as you only need to teach the 3 realms drawn out. You could hand pick 3 very simple ones for round one if you need to help new players out.
It’s all open information too so you can talk people through their options.
Rolling Realms Summary
I really enjoyed this game and if it was a generic theme I would buy this ASAP. I love the idea of having 3 random realms to play with, never knowing what combination would come out. You have to look for combos or nonbos and work with what you have.
But, I have no interest in a game based on games I either don’t care about or actively dislike. I’m happy to just stick with Welcome To.. or one of the many other Roll & Write games.
I hope a better-themed version of this game comes out later.
Jesta ThaRogue
