Root (2018)

The reviewer highly recommends Root, praising its deep asymmetric strategy and charming artwork that subtly explores real-world power dynamics. Despite a steep learning curve due to unique faction mechanics, the physical game offers fantastic table presence and an engaging experience.

If there is a praise I can give Root I’m not sure there are any higher than this: Everyone I’ve played with thinks one faction is overpowered, but no one agrees on which faction that is.

Shelfside reviews the physical board game Root, an asymmetrical war game with distinct factions, complex mechanics, and high replayability. The review highlights the game's strategic depth and cutthroat nature, despite its charming aesthetic, and confirms it focuses on the base game.

Root remains an amazing, brilliantly balanced, and deeply strategic asymmetric war game, despite its deceivingly cute art. Its unique factions offer immense replayability, though each requires a learning curve. The game is praised for its gorgeous artwork and innovative interactive tutorial.

The reviewer highly praises Root's innovative asymmetric factions, gorgeous art, and engaging, cutthroat gameplay, despite a steep learning curve. They commend Leder Games for aiding new players, concluding that once initial overwhelm is overcome, the game becomes deeply rewarding and addictive.

Quinns highly praises Root as a grand, inventive asymmetric war game, citing its exceptional design and replayability for experienced players. Despite a steep learning curve, it's highly recommended, especially with the Riverfolk expansion, for those willing to invest in its depth.

The reviewer highly praises Root's unique asymmetrical gameplay and the excellent quality of its physical components. They note an initial learning curve but find the player boards make faction rules clear, appreciating the multiplayer-solitaire feel that makes plays enjoyable even without winning.

Tom Vasel reviews the asymmetrical strategy board game Root, detailing its gameplay and components before providing his final thoughts and an explicit score.

The Board Game Dad channel offers a concise 60-second review of the physical board game Root, highlighting its asymmetrical gameplay, unique factions, and complexity, along with specific attribute scores for theme, mechanics, luck, strategy, and complexity.

The reviewer highly praises Root's brilliant asymmetry, which makes each faction feel unique and fosters organic player politics. They found it surprisingly easy to teach despite its strategic depth, though mastering all factions presents a steep challenge. Despite cute art that belies its cutthroat nature, the game's components are considered attractive and functional.

The reviewer finds Root to be one of his favorite games, particularly for solo and co-op play, despite the complexity involved in managing AI factions. He highlights the game's faction variety and engaging card play, concluding that the experience is highly enjoyable for those willing to engage with its nuances.

The reviewer discusses their evolving perspective on Root, highlighting its unique asymmetric gameplay and high replay value despite initial challenges with teaching and getting it to the table. They ultimately highly recommend the game.