Publisher: Devir
Release Date: August 7, 2024
MSRP: $49.99
Creator(s): Jackie Fox (designer); Jennifer Giner (artist)
Format: Boxed board game; Medium complexity
Number of Players: 2-5
Playing Time: 60+ mins.
Age Rating: 14+
ICv2 Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5
This is an unusual game in that it was designed by someone with direct experience in the world of the game. Jackie Fox was the bass player for The Runaways, and so the world of rock music in the late 1970s was very familiar to her. A second unusual thing is that it’s about the business of trying to become a rock star, although the business aspect is very broadly defined. Having a day job to pay for your life while you write songs and practice your music? Yes, that’s part of the game. Developing your musical chops, your songwriting skills and the act that draws people to want to hear you? Yes, that’s part of the game. The lure of after-hours clubs and the connections you make there? Yes, that’s part of the game. Even the very real lure of the "candy" that lets you stay up too many hours in a row to get things done is there, along with the dangers posed by needing time out for rehab. That may not sound like much, but in this game, where every turn is vital, "candy abuse" can cost you the game.
To get to your goals, this game uses worker placement mechanics, as the various players compete for gigs, radio interviews and other things. There is also a card set collection mechanic having to do with which after-hours clubs you use for hanging out. The time frame of the game is a few months of life, as the players try to turn from part-time musicians working as bartenders or personal assistants to musicians capable of full-time life in the music field. You also have a manager, and both the musician and the manager have asymmetric abilities that affect things, and learning how to use those to your advantage is important on the path to stardom. The manager costs you money, though, so make use of their abilities to gain you success.
In addition to the ups and downs of life as a potential rock star, there’s an element of humor running through it, much of it based on things witnessed by the designer in the real world of rock. There are also some tributes to things like Spinal Tap and other bits of pop culture. Each player’s board is designed to look like an amp, and yes, the dials go up to eleven as you measure your skills, your reputation, your songwriting, and your willingness to put it all on the line. Overall fame is used as your measure of victory points.
There are a couple of minor flaws in the production of the game. One is that a couple of the components look nice, but are oddly fiddly. Another is that the game length given by the publisher is a little low, but not outrageously. Ninety minutes is a more realistic length, especially if you stop to read the color text on the various cards. Components were kept to a limited size, as bigger players boards and the central board would have made this a table hog, so compromises were made. Apparently, Devir wanted this to have a low enough retail price to attract rock music fans who were not already serious game players. On that level, it could succeed. Seeing this game being played is the biggest draw, but the box artwork is excellent as well.
The rules are clear and straightforward. The game will be very easy for experienced gamers to learn, and only a little more difficult for newcomers. Both the game design and the artwork contribute to making the beginner experience very straightforward. Anyone who listens to rock music and daydreams, even for a moment, about being up there on the stage will find an enjoyable game in this one.
--Nick Smith
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