Root Base Game Review
Root is an enchanting game of woodland warfare where adorable animals vie for control of the forest. The theme is both whimsical and strategic, pulling you in with its charming art while delivering a game that’s anything but light. The asymmetric factions make the woodland come alive in different ways, whether you’re building industry, inciting rebellion, or sneaking through the woods as the Vegabond. The only small knock is practical—getting all those beautiful components back into the box can be a challenge, and I already plan to 3D print an insert to fix it.
A Gorgeous, Tactical Game of Woodland WarFARE
Theme
Root is an enchanting game of woodland warfare where adorable animals vie for control of the forest. The theme is both whimsical and strategic, pulling you in with its charming art while delivering a game that’s anything but light. The asymmetric factions make the woodland come alive in different ways, whether you’re building industry, inciting rebellion, or sneaking through the woods as the Vegabond. The only small knock is practical—getting all those beautiful components back into the box can be a challenge, and I already plan to 3D print an insert to fix it.
Mechanics
Underneath the cute exterior, Root offers a deeply strategic experience with asymmetric factions. Learning each faction’s playstyle and objectives can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes rewarding as you gain experience. One of my favorite moments was a game where my son and I got caught up battling each other, only to have my oldest child—playing the Vegabond—sneak in for the win while we were distracted.
Combat is simple and fast but entirely luck-driven, which can sting if you lose a big force to a bad roll. That said, most factions have built-in recovery mechanics, so you’re never out of the fight for long. The real meat of the game lies in positioning, timing, and knowing how your faction operates. There can be some slowdown when players overthink turns, but it rarely overstays its welcome.
Bottom Line: Is it Fun?
Absolutely—especially for players who enjoy mastering strategy over multiple plays. With my kids, we ended up playing Root four times in two days, which is rare in our household. The game especially shines for families with older children (our 10-year-old found it a bit much) and for regular game groups who can stick with the same faction for a few sessions.
Expect some alliances and backstabbing—especially from the sneaky Vegabond—which can lead to laughs or frustration depending on the players. If you enjoy strategy, asymmetry, and immersive themes, Root offers endless replayability and room to grow, especially with expansions like the Clockwork set.
It’s gorgeous, tactical, and completely engaging—a game that rewards those who dive deep into its woodland world.
Fort Base Game Review
Surprisingly deep strategy with a lighthearted theme.
Surprisingly Strategic Playground Fun
Theme
Fort leans into a charming childhood theme, where players race to build the coolest fort, collect pizza, and recruit friends. The theme immediately grabbed me and kept me engaged throughout. The colorful artwork and playful design give off an easygoing vibe—but don’t be fooled. Beneath the cute surface is a game that demands more strategy than you’d expect. My only thematic gripe is the lack of a physical fort on the table. The “fort” itself is just a track on your player board, which felt like a missed opportunity given the title.
Mechanics
Fort blends light deck-building with a unique “follow” mechanic, where players can copy actions others take on their turn. It felt like a fresh combination, reminiscent of Marvel United but with more strategic layers. The deck-building element is pretty light—more about managing a rotating friend group than crafting a precise engine—but it worked well to keep turns snappy. The follow mechanic ensures you’re paying attention even when it’s not your turn, adding a layer of interactivity without direct confrontation.
The game was a little longer than expected, likely because we were learning as we played, but the extra length came from thinking through decisions rather than downtime, which I appreciated.
Bottom Line: Is it Fun?
Yes—especially for families. Fort manages to be competitive without ever feeling mean, which is a rare sweet spot. It worked well with my kids (8+), since there’s no direct attacking, just friendly competition for pizza, toys, and fort upgrades. I’d recommend it to families or groups that like strategic thinking but want to avoid the hard feelings that come with direct conflict.
It’s engaging, colorful, and thinkier than it looks—Fort is a great pick for anyone who wants a lighthearted theme with a bit more depth than expected.