Inside the box:
The first thing you notice with the collector's tin is that it is shaped like a die and has the markings on each side corresponding to the Dragon die in the game. It is a very nice look, and I think will appeal to many players and collectors. Once you open it up, you find 4 dice bags of different colors (Black, Blue, Green, and Red). The dice bags are the same color as the tokens used per player to track victory points. The next item is the rule book. The rules are very straight forward and easy to understand, so easy in fact that my 8 year old was playing in no time! Further down is the tracking card used for keeping track of victory points. The victory points vary depending on the number of players; 12 for a 4 player game, 15 for a 3 play game, and 20 for a 2 player game. The tray below the rule book and tracking sheet contains the ability cards for the dice. There are 3 different types of cards; Basic, Spell, and Creature. The cards represent different levels for the dice, so that they can make promo cards that will change the way the dice results are seen. There is also a small area for the tracking cubes, again in matching colors to the dice bag. The final thing in the tin are the dice! There 130 dice in 15 different varieties. The dice correspond to the cards, and the cards represent different levels of the dice.
Playing the game:
So now that we have pulled apart the box, lets look at the game. If you have played any of the deck building games, then you have an idea of how to play Quarriors... just think dice instead of cards. You start the game with the 3 basic resource cards, 3 different spell cards, and 7 different creature cards. Remember to shuffle the groups of cards separately so you can draw from each group. Next have each player chose a color for their dice bag and victory point token. Give each player 8 Quiddity Dice (the basic die), and 4 Assistant Dice. This is your starting allocation of dice. Each players turn will follow the same steps, so I'll detail one player from the beginning:
- Score Creatures
- Draw and Roll Dice (Remember to shuffle... shake the dice bag) (Draw 6 without looking)
- Ready Spells and Summon Creatures (Optional)
- Attack Your Rivals
- Capture 1 Quarry Die from the Wilds (Optional)
- Move Dice to Your Used Pile
So I've had a lot of fun playing this game so far, and I can't wait for it to become available... or is it??? We are hoping to get this great game in at the store, we are just waiting to learn about availability. As it looks like they will have an expansion out this fall, I'd like to see both in the store soon.
I'd like to thank my little group of play testers... also know as Alex, Aiden, and Emily. They were great, and really enjoyed the game! With and age range from 8 to 16, they picked up the rules and concept quickly, and ask to play the game frequently.
Sean "Striderlotr" Banks
