River of Gold Game Review

Roll a single die. Move down the river. Collect coins and goods from the four connected buildings. Use the goods to deliver on contracts. Use the coins to construct buildings along the river and move up tracks. The base mechanics of River of Gold are really quite ordinary.

River of Gold, though, is definitely better than ordinary. Much better.

Too easy?

What sets the game apart is the interaction of the motivations, which all revolve around that singular roll. Each player has but one six-sided die. Each side has a number, color, and symbol that correspond both to a region on the board and to a type of customer card. The turn hangs on how to spend the roll of the die—moving, building, or delivering.

My favorite part of the roll? Timing. The turn ends with the die roll—a signal to the table that the turn is over—a feature countless games could employ. Of course, the die also provides a crucial piece of information that then allows the laying of a plan. Sure, every now and then preferences are smashed or opportunities come knockin’, but it’s easier to face the surprises when the options are clear before the dam breaks. By the time my turn rolls around again, I…

The post River of Gold Game Review appeared first on Meeple Mountain.