PAX West offers considerable variety for video game fans and lovers of “nerd” culture. One of my favorite parts of the convention is visiting the table top games floor, which is packed with booths demoing new party games, roleplaying games, and merchandise; there’s also a huge games library that allows fans to freely check out and try tabletop games of their choice.
We had a chance to stop by the up-and-coming party game Roast, a card-based game created by the brothers Nick and Doug Ray, which is currently in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign through the end of September.
Source: roast-game.com
Complete with real marshmallows, flannel shirts, and a conifer tree backdrop, the staff at the Roast booth was welcoming and cheerful. One of the staff explained the rules to us as we waited in line for the group in front of us, a good sign for how easily understood and approachable the game is.
Basic Gameplay
- 2 – 8 players, best with more than 2
- Best for ages 12+
- 20-minute play time
- Difficulty 4/10
- Goal: Players should make as many S’mores as you can before the fire burns out.
S’mores are created by combining one chocolate card, one graham cracker card, and at least one roasted Marshmallow card.
Each player has two roasting sticks to put over the fire and is dealt seven cards to begin the game. As cards are used, players draw new ones to begin their turn each round.
Some cards that players draw are attack cards, while others allow players to defend themselves or strategically defend other players. Finally, some cards allow for bonus points.
Reactions to Playing Roast at PAX West
Roast was wonderfully fun. The rules allowed for me to strategize alone or work with my fellow Boss Rush Network colleague, who became an unofficial partner in the game. For example, when the points leader tried to steal marshmallows off another player’s roasting stick, I was able to play an “Oven Knight” card to block their attack.
At one point, a Hangry Bear card was drawn, and we all had to feed it a marshmallow or risk our whole roasting stick being eaten.
I enjoyed trying to make s’mores and rack up points; but when the “Fire Burns Low” card came up, signaling the final round of the game, I knew I couldn’t catch up. Lucky for me, I had the out of control “Campfire” card that consumed everyone’s marshmallows, a kind of nuclear option that serves as a lucky “spite” card for anyone destined to lose. I got a pretty good laugh as my fellow players groaned.
Roast is sure to bring laughs and delight to everyone in attendance at your next game night.
About Small Rice Studios
Small Rice Studios is an Indie game developer based in Seattle.
From their website, they describe themselves as the following:
“Small Rice Studios is a “chaotic-good” company that creates casual games designed to bring friends and families together. We do as little by the book as possible while making sure everyone is having a good time. The best way to describe our new card game, Roast, is cozy nostalgia meets meta-humor.”
To back Roast on Kickstarter, click here.
Tell us what you think! Will you be checking out Roast? Share your reactions in the comments below or join the conversation in Boss Rush Network’s Discord, Facebook, and Twitter.
Source: roast-game.com
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