Rocketville
- Designer Richard Garfield
- Publisher Avalon Hill
- Illustration Joe Chiodo , Dan Colavito , Dan McCormack , Peter Whitley
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Rocketville, you play as a political candidate in a retro-futuristic city. Players simultaneously bid with secret cards to control districts, earn campaign tokens, and collect special robot and promise tokens. The game combines auction/bidding, hand management, and point-to-point movement as you try to win the most votes. Timing, bluffing, and predicting opponents are key elements.
Who Is This Game For?
Rocketville targets experienced gamers who enjoy political and strategic games. With a playtime of about 45 minutes, it suits those looking for a medium-length game. It requires some tactical thinking but no extensive prior experience. The minimum age of 10 also makes it suitable for older children.
How It Works
Players simultaneously bid by secretly playing cards from their hands to gain control of districts. Winning districts grants campaign tokens and opportunities to draw new cards or use special tokens. The point-to-point movement simulates moving through city neighborhoods. Effective hand management is essential to outbid opponents and strategically use your cards.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Richard Garfield, Rocketville blends political themes with a retro sci-fi aesthetic. Its mix of auction/bidding, hand management, and point-to-point movement creates a dynamic experience. While it has no official awards, its unique style within the retro theme family stands out with a blend of strategy and bluff.
Pro
- Dynamic simultaneous bidding system
- Combination of hand management and movement
- Short playtime of about 45 minutes
- Unique retro sci-fi setting
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Not suitable for very young players (10+)
- Requires tactical thinking and bluffing skills
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in Rocketville, a retro-futuristic city filled with ambitious politicians, androids, and outrageous campaigns. The sci-fi theme combined with vintage pulp style frames a quirky political power struggle.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Play your cards carefully and time your bids to improve your chances of controlling districts.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Rocketville is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 45 minutes, making it medium-length.
What prior experience do I need?
Rocketville is a strategy game that requires tactical thinking and some experience with bidding mechanics but no deep expertise.
How does this compare to similar games?
Rocketville combines simultaneous bidding with point-to-point movement in a retro sci-fi setting, distinguishing it from pure area control or bidding games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 10, Rocketville is more suitable for families with older children or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The simultaneous use of auction/bidding combined with hand management and point-to-point movement defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Rocketville is recommended for fans of political strategy games with moderate playtime. It impresses with its mechanics and original setting but is best suited for players willing to engage in tactical bidding.
