Exploring the Roll Player Base Game and Character Creation
See how dice drafting, actions, and cards can create an interesting character in just 30 minutes with Roll Player.
Perhaps it’s the roleplaying side of me, but Roll Player stands out as a unique experience. The character creation process can be a very exciting time, and these mechanics capture that spirit so well! Granted, the base game is all about crafting characters and not doing anything with them. Yet. I have the first expansion to try out later this week!
Game Overview
Game Name: Roll Player
Publication Year: 2016
Designer: Keith Matejka
Artist: JJ Ariosa and Luis Francisco
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
I set everything up and prepared to take photos… Only I got so engrossed that I was done before I could! At least I remembered to start the timer so I could track total game time. I do some things right. Ha ha! This human was fairly flawed, though her imperfections seemed appropriate. Human and all. But I wasn’t done at this point!
First Play
July 26, 2020
Complexity
3
Latest Play
June 18, 2025
Expansions
2
Setup Time
5 Minutes
Lifetime Plays
28
Play Time
35 Minutes
High Score
44
Game Area
26" x 20"
Low Score
0
The Master Thief
As I randomized a new starting character, it all fell into place. I think we each have our own preferences in terms of what draws us in. But a dragonkin was too awesome!
I got exceptionally lucky with the dice, but the attribute actions came in handy. Maybe there’s an obvious path for some, yet I feel like there are plenty of options.
Although I didn’t pick up a lot of class dice, the gold dice came in handy for many reasons. So much gold!
When I first saw the dice, I thought they might be a little bland. Not at all! They stand out and look very bright.
The Joy of Drafting and Placing Dice
Maybe I missed out on some of the newer trends over the last few years as I went down my very random solo board game path. I thought the dice mechanics here were more innovative than I originally thought. The ideas have likely been done before, but in a hobby where something brand new isn’t always possible, there are still unique games.
There was once a time when I thought a good solo game required lengthy rulebooks (plural), complex mechanics, so many components you could build something out of them, and an immersive theme. Thank goodness I’ve grown!
I wouldn’t go so far as to classify this as a simple sort of game since it has strategic depth and decisions. However, it puts together a simple set of mechanics. And simple can be better in many senses. It boils down to how much fun and enjoyment I can get out of a game. Those are very fluid concepts, but I always end with a smile or laugh these days!
Stealthy Dragon Skills
We all know my signature Stealthy Elephants, yet I think this dragonkin was trying to follow suit! With the move silently skill, she certainly was an ironic being.
With the way these skills worked with the alignment card, I only had the chance to make use of a few of them.
The search action would have been amazing… If I had a chance to use it on the last turn. Alas, I needed to refresh the climb ability to be ready to manipulate the dice.
Most of the cards have come out during my handful of plays, yet there are some interesting combinations!
Maximum Envy
In true dragonkin fashion, there was a proper horde of gold. Why wouldn’t there be?! I just wondered if the envious trait went a little too far and came back around.
Was she envious of herself? Because that would explain the neurotic alignment she had to deal with!
The funny thing is that with all these coins, I figured I would have a longing for a collection of metal coins. Oddly, I think I prefer the good ol’ cardboard variety.
Then again, I seem to pick up deluxe components only if they come with a special version. I can resist some things!
Greedy and Nimble
There it was again… Nimble only confirmed my suspicions that this character wanted to be an honorary Stealthy Elephant. I wasn’t about to rain on her parade!
Don’t mess with dragons, nor dragonkin. Especially the greedy sort! So that explained all the coins…
Maybe this story doesn’t sound as interesting as that of my first character, yet I love the possibility of adding it in. It’s almost like custom flavor text!
Actually, these traits helped out with getting me just where I wanted to be with the alignment card by the end.
Session Overview
Play Number: 3 and 4
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Required Play Space: 22″ x 20″
Setup Time: 5 Minutes
Play Time: 30 Minutes per Play
Outcome: 28 and 40 (1 Win and 1 Loss)
My highest score yet! I had another great time, although I now see why the first expansion is recommended from the start. It all seems to come to a close right when a character feels complete. I’m looking forward to expanding on the experience in the next few days! Monsters, beware!
%
20 Plays
Affordability
Price & Value
10
Functionality
Challenges & Mechanics
10
Originality
Design & Theme
8
Quality
Components & Rules
9
Reusability
Achievement & Enjoyment
9
Variability
Distinctness & Randomness
9
Victory Conditions
Score 40+ Points
- Overall Goal Progress 67%
Goals and Milestones
Score at least 35 points.
Score at least 40 points.
Score at least 45 points.
Continue the Conversation
How do you like the base game of Roll Player? I know the expansions add on a lot, yet I can still see why this one has been so popular for several years. There are so many options, and it’s nice to see how a character turns out! Do you have any memorable characters you’ve created? Stay tuned for the next entry that will feature expansion content! Yeah!
0 Comments