Root Review - with Tom Vasel

[@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.

[@KK-iz3us]

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.

[@houstong8984]

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

[@evanstowers8529]

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!

[@Houndf]

Correction on the move aspect of Eyrie (@5:20). You can move from a bunny location, not to.

[@chuckm1961]

Correction, you MUST move from a bunny location, or you go into Turmoil.

[@Houndf]

@@chuckm1961 Correction is correct!

[@AhJong0]

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

[@2dTones]

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

[@neeleyfolk]

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

[@fredmcmack]

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

[@TEKahuna]

Within the next two weeks if you are in the US.

[@christopherrotella1892]

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

[@JancikNoBaka]

The guys at Heavy Cardboard have made one!

[@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.

[@alexanderkoutsouris8794]

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.

[@AndyPymont]

It is inspired by some elements of COIN and is in part about counter-insurgency, but it isn't a COIN system game. The rules overlap between the games you mention above is significant (although with each adding its own twists and scenario-specific rules based on the conflict being modelled). Root is very clearly its own game with very different systems, but inspired by some of the same themes.

[@fanlages]

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

[@oddivaraarvik8469]

fanlages hope uve gotten ure board...im frim Norway....never ever heard of it...but its on appstore just from today 01.10-20. And there is ALOT of board ganes out on appstore...if u like chess...im falkeye over at chess.com and justintime76 on lichess.org...best wishes...blessings from Norway

[@natelinhart114]

Redwall as a game?! I'm in!

[@Super_tramp142]

Nate Linhart everdell is definitely more Redwally I think.

[@lazybum965]

You should also look into Mice and Mystics.

[@foxbear60]

@@Super_tramp142 Everdell? I haven't heard of it, but I'm a huge fan of Redwall. I will have to Google some stuff about this game.

[@captainron7120]

Cluny the Scourge!

[@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.

[@Glitch215]

So just to get this straight: You were at 'International Tabletop Day' but were not into hobby gaming? How does that work.

[@the_wake_]

I went to hang out with friends.

[@kruskisking2062]

I love that Root was your gateway game

[@valeriysinev7631]

Смените, пожалуйста, дизайн вашей студии.

[@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.

[@arnosaxena]

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

[@ImperatorZed]

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

[@ImperatorZed]

Hmm... I don't know, but I know I haven't played any game more than this one. Except maybe Go I guess. (They released the Print and Play at the end of last year)

[@B4YL1FE]

Man, you are everywhere. :) Gotta say I'm glad your videos about the TTS version are there to quench my thirst for the game!

[@ImperatorZed]

They call me... the nub. Wherever you go, I've already been, and I was worse at it than you.

[@anjovimusic]

Pretty stoked to get my copy here in canada! I tried the 1st pnp version of it, though it looks like it has come so far since then. It's always great to see Tom give his stamp of approval :D

[@stephenfoe865]

I'd like to see a live play as well!

[@JancikNoBaka]

The guys at Heavy Cardboard have made one!

[@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?

[@markg650]

I too would love some information on this. Any help welcome!

[@pixelotix]

I’m this guy and I freaking love Root and will teach new people to play. 1. Depends on the group. Teach the common rules of movement, ruling clearings, combat, and how everyone can score VP (Crafting or Removing Buildings). Tell how factions score. Make them read each step of each phase to everyone for at least 3 full turns while playing. 2. It’s a war game and if you know the goals of the faction you can stop them. You will need to learn some rules intricacies but they are mostly logical 3. 10 minute setup if you have them in their own bags.

[@Neurotripsicks]

When is this available? Looks awesome

[@hoodwink578]

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

[@liamrobinson6226]

Completely agree, very alluring theme

[@Cryonicity]

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

[@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.

[@thepixalking6589]

Played this at GenCon. My BIG concern is: does this game become completely linear once you learn how to play? Meaning, once you understand how the roles work, are you pigeon holed in to playing one strategy for each role every time you play this game? That's what it felt like for my friends and I after one play through. We could be very wrong, so curious from those who have played 5+ times.

[@republikadugave420]

Played 20+ times aand there are many ways to mixup your strategy...also depends a lot on other factions in play and that players play style.....with Vagabond you actually play a semi sandbox game and you have like many vagabonds to choose from... Gotta say with each game i like it more and more...

[@stealth_chain]

so sad I missed the Kickstarter for this. they were doing root base game, river expac, and underworld xpac for $150. so sad I missed that deal.

[@ripwolfe]

I had a feeling this would be a bit more approachable than Vast, and it looks like it is. Only a couple of people will play Vast in my gaming group, but I think I can get more folks to play Root.

[@farshadvcf3992]

i made a PnP version in iran😎..but i have a problem with 12 sided (dodeca hedron) dices. there are no 12 sided dices in tehran! i have to 3d print them i suppose

[@boardgamefangirl]

I almost backed this and decided not to and wanted to wait until reviews came out but seeing all those rules...I dunno not sure it's one for me.

[@andrewv3515]

I passed because of the rules and asymmetry. I can get Cry Havoc to the table because it's quick and relatively easy to teach. Root seems more complex than my family/friends would be willing to put up with. Someone in my gaming group backed it so I hope to play it there.

[@oneanotherstudios]

I almost backed it as well, but in the end didn't. For some reason I couldn't really grasp the game play from the rulebook and videos they offered and just figured I wasn't smart enough to get it, lol. But after watching this video some of it now "clicks" for me where before it didn't. Will be watching for it when it hits retail. The art alone made me to want to like it.

[@adamfreed4015]

The base rules are actually fairly simple. I've played the PnP version a bunch and once you get the basic flow down, it really is a very quick game to play. Our group usually finished in 90 minutes. The key is to play one faction a few times until you get it down and then branch out after. It does seem fiddly, but once you get into it, it's very smooth.

[@crawf168]

Ugh, I very nearly back this one, and then on the new Vast kickstarter, I nearly added this on, but didn't. I thought it looked too complicated. Glad to hear it is great, hope to play it someday.

[@Axoltolion]

Definitely getting this one! Excited to see the Tabletop rpg spin off

[@TheGoblinoid]

got the book and the expansion. It's brilliant. I'm a vagabond player.

[@EightThreeEight]

God, I wish I could learn how to not suck as the Vagabond.

[@vidar2302]

For those who have already played it, is it a easy game to learn for a beginner in board games?

[@Pillar_Angel]

Despite its cute art style, I wouldn't recommend it for absolute beginners in board games unless you and your group are very patient people. It takes a while to learn, teach and it'll take a round or three for the rules to stick, but if you wanna give it a shot, by all means as long as you take your first go at the game more of an experience than something you're trying to win.

[@godlaydying]

I wonder if 'Birdsong' is a tribute to Magic Realm.

[@patrickleder8415]

It most certainly is.

[@clumsydad7158]

Thanks Tom, this is one of the highly anticipated games, but despite interesting game play it’s a game that has too many rules/info to digest for me. I’ll also look forward to learning more about vast, ty. Nice shirt.

[@kevinrivera5554]

Where can i buy a copy? I only see a copy for $120 on amazon or $300 on Ebay... Isn't this game cost like $60?

[@dysongibson4936]

I almost rage quit lol using the quick start rule card was way to vague and didnt explain why I was placing cards in places on my board. once we figured it out (ditching the quick start) it wasnt so bad. I doubt I will but it though

[@BeachAndSnow]

Does the non-kickstarter edition come with the screen printed meeples or just regular cubes? Thanks

[@RayMGreenley]

Screen printed meeples.

[@BeachAndSnow]

Ray Greenley thank you!

[@egyptfreaka]

I need to try playing this game again from a different side. I played as the cats and I didn't really like the game as my turns just felt so repetitive.

[@Sammo212]

Just got a copy of this for about $55. Hope I enjoy it!

[@Sammo212]

@Intuitivelogic Love it! I actually have gotten the River Folk expansion but haven't played it. Thankfully was able to get 2 games in with friends before the COVID wars.

[@jassie89nl]

5:30 no you have to move FROM that bunny location.

[@squidracerX]

I notice Tom says ally as alley.

[@VictorSteiner]

5:20 it means you have to move FROM a bunny location, not to.

[@ludvigtheowopaladin]

Sounds complicated but the art style is cute

[@victorhahs3798]

It is complicated for sure but it is very good and runs smoothly once you get the hang of it

[@matthewheimbecker9055]

Added to my wish list.

[@abdou023]

I'm looking for an asymmetric game where you play as the underdog. Like you are the rebels trying to defeat the superpower. Anything like that?

[@chrismusix5669]

"I am Root."

[@theblart4196]

Too soon man, too soon :,(

[@BurtDavis]

Yay! Can't wait til it arrives

[@RozArialind]

cats: Eyrie!!!!! Eyrie: cats!!!! woodland: imma just mess with yall vagabond: bonjour

[@JaKamps]

Looks like a lot of rules & complexity to be honest. It's beautiful looking though.

[@martinlarouche4418]

I really like Vast... But i hardly ever played it because it's one heck of a pain to teach. It's essentially 5 different games that needs to be learned all at once. It's overwhelming even for gamers. While Root has me intrigued, i'm not going there again.

[@soupy11100]

Amish pimp look.

[@ImperatorZed]

Root basically teaches itself. Super easy. They have learned from their mistakes in Vast.

[@randym5824]

Looks like Mossflower. interesting

[@randym5824]

I love the flip board!

[@hyperlitestud]

mossflower was my first and favorite read of the redwall series. love how this game has so many similarities

[@bgm-1961]

Great review. But as mentioned below, this game isn't as innovative as you say... credit must be given to the COIN system developed by GMT for their counter-insurgency line of wargames. And that's what Root is - a wargame in disguise. But HUGE props to Root for taking the COIN system and using it to create a theme for non-wargamers!

[@dorpth]

Eh, after playing a bit, once the novelty of the asymmetry wears off, the game doesn't seem that fun. I think the asymmetry goes too far in that it feels like everyone is just playing their own separate solitaire game (the Vagabond is playing Mage Knight while others are playing Scythe or Twilight Imperium). Someone else's solitaire game occasionally flips the table of an opponent's separate solitaire game.

[@ReadyAimFire_]

Despite gorgeous art and the fact that id really like to play this, i think i will have to skip Root, the same as i skipped Vast. Our group doesnt meet as often as i would like (once per 2 weeks usually) so games hard to teach or that require few gameplays to grasp basic strategies (asymmetric games in general) are quite bad for us. But if i was younger or had friends willing to play it everyday i wouldnt hesitate.

[@arnosaxena]

I LOVE the game :) best buy this year definitely :D

[@adwilliams1987]

"I want to play the cats again!" - Tom Vasel I'm going get that printed on a t-shirt.

[@markyturner]

This pleases me!

[@Power-Mad]

Backed it on kickstarter and so hyped to see how the riverfolk play as a 5th faction (and a second vagabond incase we have 6)

[@Paddycake_Games]

Nick Johnson there’s also the Lizard Cult in the expansion which is SUPER fun and has very interesting mechanics. The river folk is also interesting. You’re basically merchants. Other players can pay you warrior tokens for services like cards or rides on the river, etc. the more funds you have at the start of your turn, the more VP you get.

[@Power-Mad]

Eh, the lizard folk actually underwhelmed me. They're too easy for players to just ignore and thus stop all momentum, as well as their confusing role as a replacement for... Whoever they want to replace?

[@misomiso8228]

Why do you think this is better than Vast? Is it just more refined? ty

[@EliteBeast]

No talk of the 6 player expansion Tom ?

[@samuelvimes7686]

This game is super pretty

[@bastien-]

The art is so fantastic, I wish it went to a ttrpg setting

[@Dubstyles84]

Mouseguard is the game you want.

[@MaFo82]

Now I'm really looking forward for my KS-copy to show up hopefully in early August.

[@lukasoccer]

Redwall the board game? sold (I was already sold but extra sold now that someone else has confirmed my Redwall feelings)

[@curtisbrazil1995]

Thanks

[@neeleyfolk]

Looks fun, a little put off by artwork. I like it but less "cute" is more to my liking. Like the asymmetrical aspect though.

[@guillermoz4914]

So would you say this game is better than Vast?

[@TylerDeLisle]

He did say that. ;)

[@garyong8052]

So... what’s the score for an “amazing!“ rating?

[@MplsIRR]

Gary Ong his week in review gave it a 9.5.

[@paulstaker8861]

sold

[@dunslax3]

This game looks cool but also looks like it scales terribly for 2-3 players.

[@krishnaprasadb5712]

Not happy that he didn't start with what the objective of the game is. Felt it was bit of a ramble

[@ronthal]

Objective of each player is to win. To achieve victory, one needs to score 30 victory points. Feeling better now? Admittedly, not so many games are about scoring more victory points than others...

[@elijahmeilak2906]

@@ronthal Didn’t need to be facetious

[@jimparkin2345]

Can't tell if the art direction is superior in Root or Tom's outfit.

[@Ecto_Fox]

I hated trying to learn and teach Vast. Going to skip this one.

[@JancikNoBaka]

there should be more basic shared concepts and mechanisms in this one. That said, a thorough explanation of the game (4 players) will probably take around 30min. But there is also a walkthrough mode with scripted first 2 turns included where you can basically start playing within a few minutes as long as 1 person knows the rules

[@John21WoW]

Really wish somebody would make a serious version of this game, such interesting mechanics but the artsyle just ruins all my imersion of it :(

[@rockylosco5596]

I thought keyforge was a new card game ,it looks like there already exists a board game version or something,is that true?????

[@melvinj.124]

wow coool

[@BuckishDweeb]

The green pieces look like moldy slices of bread.

[@KidCharlema9ne]

I really wish he would learn how to explain a game. He starts talking about sympathy as if we know what he means. Tom, always, always, start with the objective and work backwards. You’re good at capturing nuances of games but you’re not good at the most important thing. Everyone once in a while I’ll come back to see if he’s improved and he hasn’t. It’s a shame because his videos are a good length.

[@JhoffDJ.]

All of you loud and proud kickstarter peeps crack me up. Ya’ll should give yourself a pat on the back. Oh wait you already did. . 😆

[@ryucain]

Justin Hoffee i forget why kickstarter backers are stupid.. somebody remind me why we dont like them

[@whothennow24]

Paying for a product that doesn't exist, rewarding people for creating a product regardless of the merits of that product. Those are two reasons I can think of. There's no reason to buy pre-order anything. Wait till it comes out and actually exists before buying it, and make sure it is good and you're not just rewarding crappy product-making.

[@ryucain]

whothennow24 I thought Kickstarter wasn’t a store.. Isn’t it where you can pledge money to help somebody fund a project they want to do?

[@ryucain]

Justin Hoffee I’m confused as to why they shouldn’t be proud if the project they backed turned out to be good.. theres some good games on my shelf funded thru kickstarter. I thought i should be thankful they had ppl to back em

[@HaviccB]

Game was ...okay

[@sanderschippers2708]

Components looks terrible. Artwork is bad. Not appealing to me.

[@weedstore]

The rulebook is absolute 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼

[@Reggie1408]

nope

[@phariaz]

Nope

[@adamraco]

Nope

[@stalwartGRUNT]

Nope

[@Janko_Zivanovic_94]

Nope