Game Concept: Abroasta
Theme:
Abroasta is a lighthearted strategy game set in a vibrant world of culinary competition. Players are competing to become the ultimate Master Roaster, traveling through different regions to roast and serve the finest dishes. Each player manages their own roasting stations, acquires ingredients, and tailors their dishes to win over the judges. The player who garners the most prestige by mastering roast techniques and serving the finest dishes wins.
Components
Game Board:
- Divided into 5 Regions: Each region represents a unique cuisine or dish style (e.g., Tropical Roasts, Mountain Grill, Coastal Seafood, etc.).
- Ingredient Market: Where players can buy different ingredients like meat, vegetables, spices, and sauces.
- Judges Table: Where players submit dishes for scoring.
Player Boards (Roasting Stations):
- Tracks each player's roasting processes.
- Sections for Ingredients, Recipe Cards, and a Heat Meter.
Cards:
- Recipe Cards: Various dishes players can attempt to roast, each with unique ingredient requirements and point values.
- Ingredient Cards: Represent different ingredients used in roasting (meats, spices, veggies).
- Action Cards: Special abilities or tactics (e.g., "Steal Ingredients," "Perfect Roast," "Flare-up" that affects an opponent’s roast).
- Judges Cards: Each judge has different tastes, favoring different types of dishes or cooking methods (e.g., Judge Liam prefers spicy dishes, Judge Sophie loves complex techniques).
Tokens:
- Heat Tokens: Used to control the heat on the roasting station.
- Prestige Tokens: Represent victory points.
- Gold Coins: Currency used to buy ingredients and special tools.
Objective
Players compete to become the ultimate Master Roaster by traveling to different regions, preparing perfect dishes, and impressing the judges. The game ends after a set number of rounds (7), and the player with the most Prestige Points (gained from winning over judges with their dishes) wins the game.
Setup
- Each player selects a player board (roasting station) and starts with 3 Ingredient Cards, 5 Gold Coins, and 1 Heat Token.
- Shuffle the Recipe Cards and deal 3 to each player. These represent the starting dishes they can choose to roast.
- Place the Ingredient Market and Judges Table on the board.
- Shuffle the Judges Cards and reveal 3 judges who will score the dishes.
- Set the round tracker to Round 1.
Gameplay Overview
The game is played over 7 rounds. Each round consists of the following phases:
Preparation Phase:
- Players draw 2 Ingredient Cards and 1 Action Card.
- Players can purchase ingredients from the Ingredient Market (spend Gold Coins) or exchange unwanted ingredients for new ones.
Action Phase (Worker Placement):
- Players take turns placing their workers on various Roasting Actions:
- Heat Up: Increase the heat in your roasting station by taking Heat Tokens (too much heat can ruin your roast, but not enough will undercook the dish).
- Grill/Slow Roast/Flash Fry: Choose different cooking methods, each suitable for different recipes (e.g., Flash Fry for crispy dishes, Slow Roast for meats).
- Season & Prepare: Add ingredients to the roast, tailoring your dish to match the preferences of judges.
- Special Abilities: Use Action Cards for strategic moves (e.g., sabotaging an opponent’s heat control, stealing ingredients, etc.).
- Players take turns placing their workers on various Roasting Actions:
Roasting Phase:
- Players cook their dishes by adjusting heat levels on their roasting station, attempting to perfectly roast the ingredients to match their chosen recipes.
- Heat Management is crucial: If the heat is too high, you risk overcooking; too low, and the dish won’t cook properly. Each recipe has an "ideal heat" range for success.
Serving Phase:
- Players present their dishes to the Judges Table. The judges score dishes based on:
- Ingredients: Does the dish contain the right components?
- Roasting Technique: Was the heat managed well?
- Judge Preferences: Does the dish match the personal taste of the judge?
- Based on the scores, players earn Prestige Points.
- Players present their dishes to the Judges Table. The judges score dishes based on:
End of Round:
- Reset the board, reveal new Judges Cards for the next round, and refresh the Ingredient Market.
End of the Game
The game ends after the 7th round. The player with the most Prestige Points from impressing the judges is declared the Master Roaster.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I manage heat on my roasting station?
- You collect Heat Tokens during the Action Phase. Each dish has an ideal heat range (e.g., between 4-6). At the end of the round, if your total Heat Tokens fall within this range, your dish will cook perfectly. Too many tokens, and you burn it; too few, and it’s undercooked.
What happens if I can’t get the right ingredients for my dish?
- You can swap or discard ingredients during the Preparation Phase, or use Action Cards like "Borrow Ingredient" or "Substitute" to adjust your recipe.
Can I sabotage my opponents?
- Yes! There are Action Cards that allow you to mess with an opponent’s roasting process, such as making them overheat or stealing key ingredients.
What if multiple players serve dishes to the same judge?
- The judge scores both dishes, but they will favor the dish that best matches their taste preferences (e.g., if Judge Sophie loves spicy dishes, she’ll score a spicy dish higher). If it’s a tie, both players earn equal Prestige.
Can I save unused ingredients for future rounds?
- Yes, you can store unused ingredients on your player board for future rounds. Be careful not to hoard too many, as you only have limited space in your roasting station!
How do the judges change each round?
- At the end of each round, new Judges Cards are revealed. Each judge has different preferences, so players must adapt their dishes to impress new judges in future rounds.
Can I create multiple dishes in a single round?
- No, you can only present one dish per round to the judges. Focus on perfecting that one roast for the highest score.
What are the benefits of using different roasting methods (Grill, Slow Roast, Flash Fry)?
- Each cooking method is suited to different types of dishes. For example, Slow Roast is ideal for tough meats, while Flash Fry works well for crispy dishes like tempura. Using the right method can earn bonus Prestige Points.
Advanced Gameplay Variants
- Timed Heat Challenge: For added difficulty, set a timer for each phase. Players must manage heat levels and ingredients more quickly.
- Solo Mode: Compete against an automated AI opponent who follows predetermined moves and judge preferences.
- Secret Judge: Keep one judge face-down and only reveal their preferences when dishes are being judged, adding an element of surprise.
Abroasta is a game of strategic planning, heat management, and culinary creativity. With its combination of worker placement, resource management, and storytelling elements through judges' preferences, it provides a dynamic and fun experience for players who want to become the ultimate Master Roaster!