Root Components Overview and Impression

Leder Games games…titles…games…have a specific look to them that some people love and some people hate. It’s a fitting style, because it appears that Leder Games games are things that people either love or hate. I just happen to like Leder Games and what they do. That goes for the game mechanics they launch and the artwork they use. After being blown away by Oath  I’m back in the Leder Games universe to look at Root, which is one that so many people have said is the best game ever.

But before we get to how Root plays and how much fun it is – oops, cats out of the bag! – let’s take a look at what comes in the box. First and foremost, the artwork across everything is phenomenal. I love the look of the cards, noting as well that the layout of the cards is great and clear as well. That artwork extends to the player boards, the main board, and the wooden player pieces you’ll be moving around the board. It’s great, and looks phenomenal on the table.

The two sided board will present multiple seasons you can use – there is the standard side you see in all the images (perhaps fall?) and winter on the other side. The board is beautifully detailed but all the important bits – the building locations, paths, river, etc. – are clearly laid out and easy to quickly identify. I’ve had issues with “busy” boards in the past – looking at you, Bitoku! – but this is a busy, but clear, board. And again, I love it.

The little player pieces are great as well. Each player will have a number of pieces that can be played out onto the board. I actually feel bad for the Vagabond character because they actually only get one piece to use and move. Regardless, each is nicely detailed after the animal they represent – cats, birds, mice, and a racoon.

I’d argue here that Root’s components are not wanted in any way, but I suppose one could ask for one thing to be upgraded. The cardboard tiles used in the game are perfectly fine, and I’m not worried about their longevity at all. That being said, had these tiles been thin wooden components as opposed to cardboard, that could have elevated Root. On the flipside, however, that would have driven the price of the game up, which could have limited its sales potential and longevity in the board game space.

Overall, though, I think Root is another excellently produced game from Leder Games, and I cannot wait to unbox and play the various expansions as well.