Wroth Review - A Dash Of Area Control, A Dab of Dice Drafting & A Whole Splash Of Color

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Gamefound Link - gamefound.com/en/projects/chi...
Wroth is a 1-4 player area control board game that can be played competitively, cooperatively, or solo.
Players choose a faction and vie for control of the island of Wroth by drafting action dice to gain resources, deploying and moving troops, and attacking the opposition - all while trying to hold key positions and dominate the region. Wroth rewards cunning troop management and the clever use of your faction’s elite troops and powerful once-per-game abilities.
Wroth can be taught in 10-15 minutes, and is playable in roughly an hour. Wroth is Chip Theory’s way of bringing their penchant for deep strategy, asymmetry, multiple play modes and beautiful production into a concise and approachable package, all at an affordable entry point. Wroth is the perfect game to pull out at game night, even if you’ve never tried it before!
BGG Link - boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4...
TimeStamps:
0:00:00 - Overview
0:08:32 - Ease of Play
0:09:40 - What I Like
0:11:35 - What I Don’t Like
0:14:03 - What I Can See Others Not Liking
0:15:01 - Final Thoughts
0:16:00 - Recommendations
5.0 - My absolutely favorite games. You can pry them out of my cold dead hands.
4.5 - Love this game! At the same time missing something that would make it a 5. Could be hard to table, lacking variability, a little light, etc.
4.0 - Really great game, almost always keeping, although has meaningful complaints as to what takes away from the experience.
3.5 - Really enjoyed, don't love it, may lose out to better games but the idea of never playing again is a bit sad.
3.0 - A good game, likely not suggesting we play it and if I never played it again wouldn't lose any sleep.
2.5 - A game I'd play again but with reluctance, and will never suggest it myself
2.0 - A game I don't want to play again
1.5 - A game I can't find any reason to recommend
1.0 - A game that is just bad.
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[@ilqrd.6608]

I‘m definitely at a point in my time in the hobby where I wonder ‘why own this in addition to absolute banger area majority games I already own’

[@BoardGameCo]

Agreed

[@stormburns]

My 2c to your new studio: Too much going on behind you. Specificly, Oathsworn, TTR and Mosaic right behind you. The shelves off to the sides are nice.

[@lystic9392]

I'd want to show the audience the beautiful games collection too, but I agree. ^_^

[@feldmanjb]

Is it maybe too close? The background felt almost as close as wroth.

[@Towerofheaven]

Also the shelves to the sides, should be more space, could be a lighting issue as well.

[@razgriz8675]

I think it’s party or because there is nothing that really breaks up the squares of the games and shelves. Some more decorations, plants, or separation of the shelves may help. It could also be the curved profile of the shelves?

[@RustedParadox]

darker room with the background dimly lit in coloured lighting, and bright focus on the person and table would absolutely pop.

[@isaaccundiff9046]

I'm just enjoying the Easter eggs during the the transitions, very well done!

[@BoardGameCo]

Glad you're finding them :)

[@ea_gaming]

The new back wall feels very claustrophobic imo

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks! Seeing What I can do about this.

[@ScytheNoire]

That's his place? I thought he was filming somewhere remote. Lighting seems different, much darker.

[@fredericcourcy1915]

The real qiestion is where is primal and your rambling!!!😂😂

[@flipz101]

This game looks absolutely gorgeous! But can’t help feeling why I need this when I have blood rage… just wish they re-skinned Blood Rage to this aesthetic!

[@fredericcourcy1915]

Add metal minis and faction dexk and here we go 😂

[@ilqrd.6608]

Alex I recommend some light source behind your back and lower positioned and another softer light from the right to counter the strong light from the left and avoid hard shadows

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks! I'm still playing with things...lots to mess around with as I figure out the details.

[@joelface]

I love the dice drafting and the special powers, and the art is amazing.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep!

[@dayoltay]

Great timing!

[@kaesar98]

Great overview, thanks! I've had lots of fun experiences with CTG offerings and this one certainly warrants a good look. Don't listen to the critics of your studio setup. I find your displays interesting and thematically appropriate. Your channel is one of my favorites for the hobby.

[@BoardGameCo]

I appreciate it, but honestly there's enough feedback that I do value it :)

[@williamskogen9895]

CHIP Theory....and I see a bunch of cubes. I'm so confused :)

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol, they dealt with this feedback during 20 strong...they added 1 chip

[@Drizsle]

The video I’ve been waiting for!

[@BoardGameCo]

Enjoy :)

[@kumanight]

I get claustrophobic vibes from your new setup. Maybe it's because the angle makes you look too close to the games behind you?

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks for the feedback, I made some small tweaks :)

[@lukewatson4489]

I'm intrigued by this one. I'm just seeing the Gamefound updates they are revamping how the "all move" action works. Seems like the game is still in development, I hope it comes together in the end. Looks fun. I absolutely love your closeout with other game recommendations, it's so helpful to hear what might be similar to checkout. Subscribing!

[@robertjanisch3324]

I cant get over how Similar this is to Ruination both map and alot of other things

[@razgriz8675]

That was my first thought as soon as I saw the board

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep :) Lots of differences but they have surface similarities.

[@robertjanisch3324]

@@BoardGameCo please tell me the differences

[@picklebuckeye]

I appreciate all your videos, especially the more “meta” ones like the $1 pre-campaign ones. I have a question: Why are crowdfunding previews continually called reviews? While the actual video is clear about it being a prototype preview, the title says review which isn’t really the case. Just trying to understand this practice as I’ve seen multiple creators doing this. Thanks

[@joaopreto24]

I was wondering the same..

[@BoardGameCo]

Short version is that I consider a preview a showcase and a review an opinion. While not 100% agreed terminology, it seems to be the most consistent approach in the board game space. A preview will talk about the game and how it plays, a review gives opinions on the game. I would specifically and intentionally refrain from calling an opinion video a preview.

[@chefnimmo8192]

@@BoardGameCoSo I guess this is a preview review, lolz

[@markusbiewer2756]

@@chefnimmo8192 Why? He clearly states his opinion at the end of the video.

[@picklebuckeye]

@@BoardGameCoI see what you are saying, I just don’t think one can properly “review” a prototype, non-final game. And I think giving opinions on a preview is fine, which is essentially what this video is. I’m just of the mindset that a review should only be done on a final game.

[@stacie_everdell]

I LOVE the colors in the game. I have no hands on experience with the games others have mentioned here. This alone would fit nicely into my collection. The overall footprint adds to the appeal.

[@HerVoiceRemains]

Nice review. Will like wait to retail, maybe.

[@CheddahSlammer]

Usually with Chip Theory I am like "shut up and take my money" but this is the first game which seems very bare and not finished that personally going to wait for the next time for an expansion that is more likely going to come, so I can see how good the game really is.

[@seansmith2650]

Yeah the gameboard seems very scarce

[@npckse8508]

Hey Alex, as you just recently covered the Ruination KS expansion and campaign, can you let us know how similar these 2 games are, outside of aesthetics. Assuming there is any overlap. Just from the top, the map seems similar and obviously the day-glo color scheme seems similar.

[@BoardGameCo]

Ya, color scheme and map are similar but that's where it ends....well that and area control. Oh and both play pretty fast. Ok...but actual gameplay is different.

[@benjaminbaker4810]

How does it compare to Inis? Does it occupy the same space or does it feel quite a bit different?

[@Triston_Yocom]

Does the prototype include the solo & coop scenarios? If so I’d be curious to hear your opinions on both modes!

[@BoardGameCo]

They did, but they were undergoing changes from the version I had so I choose not to dive in.

[@nirszi]

What happened to the lighting? Too dark imo.

[@BoardGameCo]

Still playing with things :)

[@Friction4Ever]

Are there any caveats in a two player game like in some other area control games?

[@BoardGameCo]

I played it at 3 and 4, not 2, so I'm not sure.

[@Local_Field1972]

After they burned me on burncycle, I refuse to back any Chip Theory Game.

[@gregorys9629]

What happened with Burncycle?

[@BoardGameCo]

What happened?

[@EdBoardGameFever]

Hi Alex, did you get a chance to try the solo mode?

[@gregorys9629]

Not Bored Gaming has a full solo playthrough.

[@BoardGameCo]

Sadly not, I heard from CTG that the solo mode I had was already undergoing tweaks and so I chose not to dive into it.

[@EdBoardGameFever]

@@gregorys9629 thank you, I'll look into it.

[@kevinyoung3235]

First of all Alex, thanks for the early preview for Wroth- the community appreciates all your hard work. I find it odd even if you didn’t have experience with it there was barely any mention of the cooperative-solo aspect for this game and it was heavily PvP focused. 👍🏻 -K #edg

[@ChipTheoryGames]

Hi Kevin! We didn't put a huge emphasis on having content creators cover solo/co-op as it's still in a very early state of development overall. We had a few folks cover it, but knew that coverage of those modes would be in a much more "prototype" state than the PvP. Essentially when Manny brought the game to us, there was one faction (The Ooglan) that served as your only solo/co-op opponent. Knowing our reputation (and our audience), we knew everyone would want to be able to play against ALL the factions in solo/co-op, so we started grinding away at that while PvP was (and still is, rules and balance tweaks aside) largely finished. We'll be showing much more on solo/co-op ourselves before we make a really big push to have media cover it, as we'd like to get it to a more finished, balanced, and compelling state beforehand. One Stop Co-op Shop, Not Bored Gaming, and Beyond Solitaire all will (or already do) have videos covering solo, though again, expect a whole lot of things to be addressed that those folks didn't get to play with. In fact we've already changed up a number of things for the better compared to what they were able to play in this early prototype state :-) Hope that helps!

[@kevinyoung3235]

@@ChipTheoryGamesTotally understandable and I am excited to see all of that in the future. But also, I do enjoy hearing Alex’s take on the “whole picture” and was curious on that front. Any plans for a TTS mod as this is something I’d love to pull my community into over on @e.d.g ? Thanks CTG - 15 minutes and counting….

[@ChipTheoryGames]

@@kevinyoung3235 Good question. Not sure how up to date our TTS mod is for this right now, but I'm guessing it will be updated when we move into external playtesting. Check back with us in a month or two!

[@BoardGameCo]

Always a good question. I had originally planned on diving into the solo/coop, the reason I didn't is I had heard specifically that the version and rules I got were already experiencing heavy tweaking. It felt weird to dive into something that already I was being told was out of date.

[@kevinyoung3235]

@@BoardGameCo Thanks Alex! AND- my take on the new backdrop, it’s refreshing and people will get used to it! 🤣 -K #edg

[@Fontzig]

A quick area control game is something that is lacking in my collection, so I'm intrigued 👌 The artwork and components are amazing also.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's beautiful, no question.

[@whytemeet]

Did you get a chance to play the cooperative version?

[@BoardGameCo]

Not yet...hoping to tomorrow.

[@ScytheNoire]

I know it's not, but I keep seeing a Radlands spinoff game. Manny's artwork in this style is just very visually unique and pops. Roxley, make a Radlands area of control game. ;)

[@BoardGameHype]

Change your studio?!

[@BoardGameCo]

Added, the other one is still around :)

[@marcwarembourg1864]

To use another channel concept for this game, i feel it is more for thinkers than themers. And i am aboslutely a themer. It seems good quality, well thought system but I don't feel the appeal from this "world". Something seems missing for me to feel dragged to it, A clear universe i guess, maybe more context. But i am sure the quality is there. CTG after all

[@phloog]

This is far too inexpensive for a Chip Theory Game.

[@ChipTheoryGames]

😂

[@NotedEel]

i dont like how abstract the board and pieces look.

[@villagetale7450]

Exactly

[@liljajejiju4023]

This new lighting is cool 😯

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks :) Still messing around with stuff.

[@daninanestean]

The color scheme looks like unicorn puked on the game. Gameplay seems good though.

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol, I find it fascinating how some people are calling it absolutely beautiful, and others are so turned off by it

[@thecuriousboardgamer]

@@BoardGameCo I find it beautiful AND I don't want to play a game on it. lol

[@seansmith2650]

Super cool mat. Followed by super boring game pieces

[@BoardGameCo]

They're making changes :)

[@cgrice1971]

The lighting in your videos is much worse than it used to be

[@BoardGameCo]

Tweaking some stuff, appreciate the feedback :)

[@derraldlosey1118]

Easy pass. Catch up mechanics in this style of game is a hard no.

[@joelface]

Funny, but I'm the opposite. Maybe it's because I like to teach my games to new players who might only ever play the game once or twice, maybe against players that have tried several different factions already. Having a catch up mechanic can be huge. Additionally, savvy gamers can use a catch up mechanic to their advantage by waiting until closer to the end of the game to try to pull away, building up for a big move that can leapfrog them to victory. So, for me, it's a major perk.

[@LeeKenshin7]

Agree on the catch up mechanic being a pass on an area control game. Also, will affect the replayability in my group; a reason I got rid of quacks. If Wroth was a filler, I prob won't mind.

[@derraldlosey1118]

@@joelface That end of the game leapfrog and rewarding people for not playing the best is why I don't like it. Completely changes the strategy of the game from do well constantly to prepare for one big final round. For me it would be like putting a catch up mechanic in Chess.

[@joelface]

@@derraldlosey1118 I hear you. It’s like a regular racing game versus Mario Cart. There’s value in both types. But for pure FUN, I see way more value in the Mario Cart style game. If you’re a purist, you’ll hate that, but I like that it keeps things closer, and I don’t mind playing differently to excel late game. That’s an added level of complexity to me.

[@derraldlosey1118]

@@joelface Good analogy, I hate Mario Cart. Nothing more irritating than those rare races when I am doing well and still lose in the end only due to the catch up system. I also don't feel like I accomplished anything when I win Mario Cart because I suck and it was defiantly a catch up mechanic that got me the win. I would rather just lose or win on my own merit, even if I am losing every game. If its a well designed game I will still be having fun even losing.

[@jesses7614]

After how bad of a job CTG did with 20 strong all their games are a skip. Itll prolly show up smelling of chemicals, be full of spelling mistakes and have below poor quality components. Manny should have kept this for himself as theyll just ruin his game with crappy production

[@npckse8508]

Company made one mistake, which they owned , what is your point? You are still hurt that your dice smelled? So did mine and then I took care of them and they don't smell. The game was 100% playable. As to the rest, Chip Theory Games has a proven track record of high quality, premium game releases, from Goo Many Bones, to Cloudspire, to Burncycle and the Hoplomachus series. I would honestly expect you to more carefully consider what you are saying before spouting nonsense. I have never seen CTG not make a manufacturing issue right.

[@jesses7614]

@@npckse8508 Ive yet to receive a playable game from them, I've also had every order from them with production issues. 2 many bones had printing issues that took a month for them to fix. 20 strong has yet to arrive playable and headache free. Their dice towers fell apart upon opening the box they shipped it in. This is an ongoing quality problem I've had.

[@jesses7614]

​@@npckse8508I've still yet to receive a playable version of 20 strong. 2 many bones delivered with issues and it took over a month to be fixed (webstore order not a campaign). The dice tower I ordered from them fell apart before it could even be used in a game. For me it's been nonstop production issues from them. While I respect your viewpoint please know not everyone has the same interaction with them as you have.

[@npckse8508]

@@jesses7614 I appreciate that you have had some bad luck. I certainly haven't had any serious issues that CTG hasn't made me whole as a result. THey have always had excellent customer service, but I suppose that doesn't mean as much to you if you have been having issues.

[@jesses7614]

@@npckse8508 I agree their customer support is full of lovely folks that aren't paid enough to deal with the nonsense they get. The issue is the consistent reply of "thanks for your patience while we know nothing and ask for you to keep waiting for unknown quantities of time for us to deliver what you paid for also sorry it's 5+ months late". When they charge an above premium price for their games it shouldn't also come with additional bonus side quests of dealing with customer support for months on end to get a product. It's now 9 months past the initial 20 strong delivery date and I've yet to get anything other than smelly garbage from them.