1872: The Lost Crows
- Designer Mike Heiman
- Publisher (Web published)
- Illustration Mike Heiman
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play as a small Crow tribe fleeing through Montana to Canada to avoid an impending war. The game combines dice placement on a hex grid with a narrative journaling element. Multiple storylines and endings provide a sandbox feel with high replayability. Setup is quick as a print & play microgame, and gameplay lasts about 90 minutes.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for solo players, this game suits enthusiasts aged 8 and up who enjoy narrative-driven solo experiences. Its 90-minute duration and medium complexity make it ideal for those with some familiarity with roll-and-write or storytelling games.
How It Works
You roll dice that act as workers placed on hex tiles to perform actions, combining worker placement with dice rolling mechanics. Using a paper-and-pencil sheet, you map routes and record resources while following a branching storyline. The game is exclusively solo, blending luck and strategic planning.
What Makes It Special
Part of Mike Heiman's XX72 solitaire series, 1872: The Lost Crows stands out for its immersive Native American perspective and mix of roll-and-write with storytelling. It earned 3rd place for Most Thematic at the 1st Roll & Write unsere Datenbank Contest, emphasizing its thematic depth.
Pro
- Strong narrative integration via storytelling
- Solo gameplay with dice-based worker placement
- High replay value through multiple storylines
- Quick setup as a print & play game
Contra
- Only playable solo
- Playtime around 90 minutes requires patience
- Medium complexity not ideal for young children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in 1872 Montana during the American frontier era, you lead a Crow tribe escaping war between the U.S. and Native alliances.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding the dice worker placement and use journaling to enhance the story experience.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, 1872: The Lost Crows is designed exclusively for one player.
How long does a game really take?
Gameplay takes about 90 minutes, with setup under one minute.
What prior experience do I need?
Some familiarity with roll-and-write or storytelling games helps but is not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its unique blend of dice-based worker placement and sandbox storytelling sets it apart.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 8 and medium complexity, it’s best suited for solo enthusiasts rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of dice workers for placement and narrative journaling is distinctive.
Fazit
1872: The Lost Crows is recommended for solo players who appreciate narrative depth and strategic dice placement. Those seeking shorter games should note its roughly 90-minute playtime.
