Skip to Content
 

A fantasy derby (horse, ram, wolf, unicorn, etc.) race boardgame

3 replies [Last post]
Thu, 12/08/2011 - 14:13
JefferyB
Offline
Joined: 11/22/2011

Hello everyone! I am a new member to this forum, as well as a new member interested in creating my very own boardgame.

Well my idea is for an action-packed, fast-paced race, something like Mario Kart but on game boards. I would include a stack of game boards/tiles (each perhaps 8"x8" in size), and each would hold a straight or curved portion of the overall race track. The players could then lay these boards/tiles out how they want to make their very own race track. Currently I am planning for there to be 6 lanes on these tracks and it would be set up in a grid to distinguish squares for movement and such.

Players will choose a character they want to race with. Characters have different and unique special abilities to differentiate them from the rest of the pack. Currently I have 8 characters to choose from, 40+ cards in mind, 30+ miniatures/cardboard standouts needed, and 6-sided dice required.

Does this idea sound original and/or fun? I have some game mechanics planned out already, as well as the character concepts. I'm already doing demos with my kids and wife to try some things out, testing what does and doesn't work.

I would like opinions on if this idea is something worth trying to pursue or not. Thanks a bunch!

Top
Thu, 12/08/2011 - 14:50
#1
MondaysHero
Offline
Joined: 07/08/2011
Great concept!

This idea sounds awesome. What you need to decide is, is the emphasis on the "steed" the "rider" or both?
By this, I mean, do players get to choose both a rider and a steed? Am I playing an Orc whoby default rides a Wolf, am I a generic character who rides whatever I want? Or can I choose Orc and then put him on the back of a chicken?

If you do both my suggestion would be to build the racing element around the steed (maybe a Pegasus flies, but wears out easily, or a Tortoise who is slow, but steady.)
then give the riders an ability. (Maybe an Orc can play dirty and punch someone off their mount in an adjacent space, maybe a Dwarf can toss around gold to bribe players to pull back or something.)

All in all a cool idea!
-Monday's Hero

Top
Thu, 12/08/2011 - 16:03
#2
JefferyB
Offline
Joined: 11/22/2011
Thanks for the suggestion!

I am still in the very early stages of development, so I am more than willing to accept new and more successful ideas to implement into the game.

Originally I was planning on just having the characters with their own set mount. It would keep all players on even terms by relying on die rolls, and the whim of special abilities, traps, etc. As well, I wanted to keep the game simple, to allow children (8 and up perhaps?) to pick up on the game mechanics with little to no need to check back up on individual stats of mounts, characters, etc. Basically trying to cut too much clutter.

However, I am more than willing to look at any and all options. If adding the ability of choosing mounts brings lots of fun without causing unnecessary confusion with more rules, I'll add it on in.

Would anyone care to test out some game mechanics based on my idea?

Top
Thu, 12/08/2011 - 17:35
#3
MondaysHero
Offline
Joined: 07/08/2011
It sounds like a really great

It sounds like a really great idea. I wish I had the time to look at a game right now. I'm in talks on one game, working on another, and startnig athird myself, so I don't have the time. Though I'm sure other's will be more than happy. One of your greatest resources is your Local Game Store. Make sure any playtesters you gain access to sign a Non-disclosure agreement, so you idea is not spilled all over the internet. It also protects you from legalities.

I have a cuple of playtest groups I use for various reasons, (for instance, one group I use can tear apart and destory a game faster than I can blink, so I use them to that advantage. If they finish a session and and say "looks great!" then I know there are no loopholes some players can abuse. It can be pretty discouraging when I use them, but it also helps me ensure that a a game is not broken, or unbalanced. Other groups like to social play, and will tlel you if the game is enjoyable, others are good analysts and will tell you where they find flaws and how they might fix it. You can always disregard any ideas they give, or accept them, and use their fixes.

Family is always a great place to start, but make sure you use non-family members too, as family members often won't tell you if they don't like it.

Good luck!

Top
Syndicate content


forum | by Dr. Radut