Hello,
I created a what I believe to be a simple card and dice game that is designed for families with kids 8 and up. There is some math involved with adding and subtracting (the dad in me is sneaking in some basic math facts...shh). I have play tested it with mostly family so far and would love some other feedback if you could.
When my kids were younger I tried to get them into D&D but just rolling their characters took to long and they lost interest. My goal with the game was to make something easy to play for kids around the 8-10y range, simple to learn but keep the Role Playing Game spirit.
You can play with just a six sided dice but I tend to go for a six sided and a 12 sided to add some flavor.
The art is placeholder from some free assets I found. I drew the map myself but it will need a real artists touch. Basically I was playing with design and feel. The "stories" on the cards will be more flushed out as I get closer to finalizing the gameplay. I believe I am 80% of the way there but the last 20% is always the details and balance.
As I stated above, my target audience is families with the younger kids. I found with mine that if they don't have something they can hold or physically do on each turn they lost interest. I also wanted them to do some basic addition and subtraction as where I am from that isn't taught anymore and neither of them could do math in their head at the time. The notepad is purpose built for kids to keep track and do addition and subtraction.
In my initial playtests I also found that bringing all players into the encounters while fun didn't lend a sense of urgency. Having them roll to make it there on their own I found lent more to the feel I was going for. Those in the encounter alone feel vulnerable while the others are doing what they can to get in to help. It felt more like a true team win.
I would love your feedback on that and well as the answers to three simple questions:
a) did you have fun?
b) what is one thing you liked?
c) what is one thing you didn’t like?
The folder on Gooogle Drive **Edit - bad link in original post - copy paste error...sorry
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dgiIhlUtZfc9kKXbQmF1U2iYUtqxZhFW
Just in case that doesn’t work here are the individual files.
The Setup
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aFs_V6Y3C4aiQvQooCNvYC9Zi99dBQDC
The rules
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YAJfxbMD4xtFlJJnEDiIAPpufV8GJVUy
The cards
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1I-o418eK-asKb7TNbzIDDCXi7ny4DG-d
The board 22x17 - small but still playable - can be printed in 4 8.5 x 11 sheets
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GH0vXKNoPxej8GCl9Kf4wuM74uHiWySY
The board 34x22 - bigger and easier to play - can be printed in 4 11x17 sheets
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oNV0SUcJLysGtd9zHbpyQKXDyjt6T-76
Notepad for keeping stats
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xEJ_T-aDXqs9kE-QfezUJig40lv9g0b_
Thank you in advance.
Hi Tim. Thanks for the feedback. I have been thinking of how to get the villain more involved and initially, well it was a complicated idea that I abandoned...but I have been toying with the idea for symbols on the pathways that if a player lands on them causes an action.
For instance, instead of the health cards and treasure cards laid out and abilities being dealt out they are in a pile that gets pulled from if the heroes land on a symbol. I also thought that some symbols could be side quests that lead to the treasure. After reading your comments it gave me the idea that I could use the same idea for the villain to spring a trap. Right now the villain still roles and if they role a 1 or a 6 they can cast a spell. I am curious to see how it would play with both.
I like the equipment idea as well. I hadn't thought of that as I was really trying to keep it simple especially for younger kids. However, I have also been coming up with a list of ideas for expansions and more difficult decks. I think your idea could fit in quite well with the extendability of the game.
Thanks again for the feedback!