Dice Rolling

  • Review: Civolution

    Dear students. The cosmic faculty of the Technical Academy of Creation and I extend a warm welcome to your Civolution, the ultimate exam in the field of Civilization Design. For those who do not know me, my name is Agera, and as the governing entity of this institution, I am responsible for grading your exam. We have chosen a humanoid baseline scenario on an isolated continent. Each of you has been assigned the role of a local deity, closely tied to your civilization, tasked with leading it to success in competition with the others. The developmental paths are limitless, ranging from cultural and technological progress to evolutionary-biological adaptations. For instance, what would advance your civilization further: inventing the wheel or growing wings? Demonstrate your mastery over your console and show that you can adapt to fluctuating environmental parameters and various chaotic conditions of creation. The exam concludes after 4 eras. Whichever student has amassed the most success points with their civilization by then will not only pass the exam, but will also earn promotion to the next rank as a full member of the Technical Academy of Creation. I wish you all a fruitful Civolution!

    This is the premise behind Civolution, designed by Stefan Feld (Bora Bora, AquaSphere, The Castles of Burgundy). First published in 2024 by Deep Print Games in an English and German edition, it features artwork by Dennis Lohausen (Terra Mystica, The Voyages of Marco Polo).

  • Review: Piña Coladice

    Bring out the glasses, because it’s time to mix some drinks! The ingredients are on the table: spices, bases, fruits, and veggies… Each one requires a unique dice combination. Players will roll them on their turn and strategically place their tokens to score valuable points… or whip up a piña colada that grants an instant victory!

    This is the premise behind Piña Coladice, designed by Yann Dupont (Squelettos, Savana). First published in 2024 by IELLO in a French edition, with artwork by Crocotame (LUZ, Odin).

  • Review: Ahoy

    You are smugglers and soldiers on the high seas. Each round, you will roll and place dice to perform actions unique to your faction. Control Regions and deliver Cargo to gain Fame and win the game!

    This is the premise of Ahoy, designed by Greg Loring-Albright (Leviathan, Bloc by Bloc: Uprising). It was first published in 2022 by Leder Games in an English edition following a successful crowdfunding campaign. The artwork was handled by Kyle Ferrin (Root, Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile, Vast: The Crystal Caverns).

  • Review: Terraforming Mars – The Dice Game

    We have finally managed to build colonies on Mars, but now we face an even greater challenge: bringing the planet to life and turning it into a new home for humanity! Will your corporation be the one to lead the way?

    This is how Terraforming Mars: The Dice Game is presented to us, designed by Jacob Fryxelius (besides Terraforming Mars, responsible for After the Virus or Star Scrappers: Orbital). First published in 2023 by FryxGames in an English edition. The illustrations are handled by Isaac Fryxelius (Angel Fury, Brawling Barons).

  • Review: Space Base

    The United Earth Nations needs you! As the Commodore of a Space Base, your job is to draft new ships into your fleet to patrol the 12 sectors under your watch. Use cargo vessels, mining ships, and troop carriers to make profits and expand your influence. Only one Space Base Commodore will be promoted to U.E.N. Admiral of the Fleet!

    This is the premise of Space Base, designed by John D. Clair (Mystic Vale, Custom Heroes). The game was first published in 2018 by Alderac Entertainment Group (AEG) in an English edition. The illustrations are by Chris Walton (Warmachine Prime Mk II, Monsterpocalypse).