Root: Board Game Review

Root is a board-game of woodland exploration and warfare. The game is set in a wooded landscape acting as a nation state for many diverse groups of animals. Players can choose to align themselves with the Marquis de Cat faction, an overreaching, somewhat forceful, government in control of the forest, sapping its resources and utilizing them to build factories and other buildings; The opposing Eyrie Dynasties, a somewhat dysfunctional foreign empire attempting to quickly take the forest from the Marquis before they inevitably fall into ruin; The rebellious woodland alliance, who work against both the Marquis and the dynasty in hopes to free the forest from tyrannical governments, placing sympathy throughout the forest and causing revolts; Or finally, the rogue vagabond, who holds no concrete alliances, moving throughout the forest and partnering with whatever faction(s) benefit him most. 

What makes this game interesting, aside from the good theming and cute illustrations, is the staple asymmetrical gameplay. Basically, each faction plays, and wins, completely differently. For example, while the Marquis gets points simply by constructing new buildings and cementing their rule, the vagabond completes various tasks and quests established by the forest-people in order to get points. This makes the gameplay very interesting and unique, but also extremely complex. And for that reason I could not recommend this game for beginners, or even casual gamers. Those who are not well versed in board-game/video-game mechanics will most likely not have fun, simply finding the game too complicated to enjoy. 

Root is a well made tactics game with great theming, it provides a distinctive competitive experience. However, there are many moving parts to Root, each of which require understanding of numerous other mechanics. And while I believe that the game is quite fun once you get the hang of it, I can recognize that the barrier to entry is very high. And thus, I have to recommend this game only to those who are very comfortable with entry level games and are looking for a unique, more complex experience.