Dice Momentum

I wanted to discuss the idea of “Dice Momentum” that exists as the means for teams to make progress and eventually (or hopefully) win the game. I am working on a game that contains this idea in some fashion with 30 dice (and other components of course). So far, the design works well in the game. It fits thematically and mechanically, it runs smoothly and it consistently creates an experience for players to feel the momentum during the game (SO FAR). I really like it and am excited that it has worked well up until now.

First off, I do not wish to drown the post with the entire game or rules here (yet) because I truly want to introduce and dissect this idea a bit with you all first.

The concept of momentum is an extremely specific experience to attempt to create in a game and even more complex to discuss. Think of an organization’s progress on a “Goal Thermometer” and the momentum gained or lost based on certain events… That is what I am going for, but not exactly with that theme.

I have played many games where the sheer amount of units, cards or dice are played, rolled or received during a turn that provided a sense of “momentum” or progress or even the win condition. I have also played “Roll & Move” games, dice games like “Yahtzee” and “Quarriors!”, and others that simulate good or bad results that chain with cards drawn, points scored and the like.

In my game, each team’s dice pool increases throughout the game as they progress up (or down) something like a “Goal Thermometer” per each dice roll until a team satisfies the win condition. There are 6 milestones a team must reach and surpass before the win condition is satisfied. As each team reaches certain milestones, certain dice are unlocked and added for free and certain other dice are unlocked and added for a cost. Cards, effects and other dice may be involved at certain times. In essence, each team’s momentum grows exponentially as their dice pool is increased at each milestone.

This idea could be applied to many different scenarios and themes. I am wondering if anything like this exists yet (other than the game I am currently working on right now). It would help immensely to learn from someone who has gone before with this type of idea!

Which games or designs have you played, heard about or even designed yourselves that incorporate dice as an engine to resemble the phenomenon/concept of “momentum”?

Sorry for being vague, but I tried to keep things basic for the sake of discussion… Please let me know if you need a better explanation here.