Root Review

War Of The Woodland Critters

Fight for control of the wilderness in Root, a cute yet intense strategy game by Dire Wolf Digital.  Based on the tabletop game of the same name by Leder Games, Root is a strategic turn-based game in which players compete to seize control of the vast forest. Marquise de Cat has seized control of the woodlands and plans to harvest its vast riches. Many of the woodland creatures have allied with her. However, the Eyrie, a clan of predator birds, once ruled over the woodlands and intend to rule again.

Gameplay takes place on a map of the woodlands. Throughout the map are clearings. To expand your dominion, you’ll need to claim more clearings. However, to move, either the clearing you move from or to must be under your faction’s control.  This means you can’t go sneaking deep into enemy territory. To defeat your enemies, you may be tempted to march your entire army forward. However, if an enemy manages to enter one of the clearings you’ve left defenseless, they’ll immediately take it over. That being said, Root is a complicated game that takes time to master. Luckily, multiple tutorials are available to help acclimate new players.

Clans Of The Wild

Root features four clans: the Eyrie, Marquise De Cat, The Woodland Alliance which is made up of mice, rabbits and foxes and the Vagabond, a lone racoon out to gain fame. Each faction has its own strengths and weaknesses. For instance, the Eyrie can issue a decree after which they’ll be able to take increasingly more actions per turn. However, the Eyrie are only able to construct roosts, while Marquise de Cat can create sawmills, workshops and recruiters. As experts of guerrilla warfare, The Woodland Alliance have a combat advantage but start out with no buildings or warriors on the map. Vagabonds can move more freely than other clans by cutting through the forest. In fact, each clan plays by their own set of rules—literally—so choose wisely.

Cards and Dice

Battle outcomes in Root are determined by a dice roll. In battle, two dice, each with the numbers 0 through 3, are rolled automatically. Whoever initiates combat receives the die with the higher roll. Though when the Woodland Alliance is involved, they always take the higher die. However, you can only deal as many hits as the number of warriors you have in the clearing. For instance, if you roll a two but only have one warrior in the clearing where the battle is happening you can only attack once.

Cards also come into play in Root. Each turn, players draw cards which have abilities such as calling for aid from other animals or brokering deals. Root’s cards come in four suits: fox, rabbit, mouse and wild. Many cards have a secondary use. Cards give you an advantage in battle. Having an ambush card up your sleeve can turn the tide of battle. Ambush cards allow the attacker to deal two hits in battle before the die roll. Craft a card to use its secondary function. While this sounds complicated, you’ll find yourself enthralled once you learn the ropes.

The Root Of The Matter

Root is an intense strategy game featuring cute yet vicious woodland creatures. Gameplay is complicated and takes time to master. However, once you get the hang of it, you’re bound to have a great time. Adorable graphics complement complex gameplay and an engaging premise, creating a unique experience. So, what are you waiting for? Lay down Roots and grow your woodland empire.