Introduction:
How do you stay in the loop with games to add to your collection? Personally, I find myself immersed in the world of game discovery during brief breaks that turn into Instagram doomscrolling. Any cool design or polyomino games usually catch my eye. It was during one of these serendipitous moments that Number Drop entered my radar, so when I saw it at a random store, I had to buy it.
My wife asked me what we were purchasing, and I fessed up. I don’t know. I think we’ll like it. It then sat on the shelf of shame. Bored and driven by curiosity, I played Number Drop as a solo game for the first time. This marked my inaugural solo gaming experience, and I am baffled. Why haven't I tried solo games sooner? Why did I let Number Drop sit on the shelf all by itself?
What is Number Drop?:
Number Drop is a roll-and-write game designed for 1-6 players with an approximate playtime of around 15 minutes.
In each turn, players roll five dice. The objective is to use the rolled numbers to fill in the corresponding spaces on your grid, adhering to the rules of gravity. Players earn two victory points for each successfully completed row. To accumulate points, players strive to orthogonally complete rows with identical or consecutive numbers. For instance, if you have four threes, you mark them and score four points.
A pivotal moment arises when both identical and consecutive numbers for a specific amount are completed. This prompts players to circle the "Number Drop." This introduces an exciting twist, as wildcards are then unleashed. If no player has circled the Number Drop, the game proceeds as normal. However, if a player has marked the Number Drop, those who haven't must draw a shape on the block board, ranging from three to five spaces. The drawback lies in these shapes making it more challenging to score points, as players must draw an 'X' on each spot the shape occupies.
The end game is triggered when a player crosses the gameover line. Players tally their points by counting the number of columns they successfully completed. If the gameover line was triggered, players incur a penalty of -5 points for each space beyond the line. Points are then awarded for the total number of consecutive and identical pieces filled. The player with the most points wins.
Components:
Rule book, my favorite was the Score Sheet layout page which explains what each space is and how to score clearly
4 D6 numbered dice, the dice feature numbers ranging from 1 to 7, along with a versatile wildcard (*) that can be used as any number from 0 to 9.
Tetromino shapes die. This die dictates the tetromino you’ll be drawing. This die also has a wildcard (*) side
Double-sided block board, one side for solo play and one side for multiplayer games
10 Block tiles. Five of these go on the block board and are used to number drop. I like the replayability it adds to the game.
Player board. It looks so retro. I am in love!
A competitive spirit (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Play:
1. Set Up:
Place the block board in the center, multiplayer side up.
Each player takes a score sheet and a writing object. We chose erasable pens and are in the process of laminating the sheets so we can take the game on the go.
Whoever bought a gaming console first becomes the first player. We changed it to whoever played Tetris last goes first. That way I am inclined to start.
Then, every player starting with the first player places their turn number on the first row of the grid.
2. Round Structure:
Phase 1: Roll all five dice
Phase 2: Block Others. If any stars appear on the dice, check to see if anyone has circled a number drop. If they have, initiate BLOCK OTHERS by crossing off the ascending corresponding letter on Drop and having everyone that does not have that Number Drop circle draw the shape from the block board. These shapes must be drawn with “x.”
Phase 3: If no one drops a shape, choose the rolled shape and use the corresponding numbers on your grid to fill it in entirely. Numbers can be placed anywhere within the shape.
Phase 4: Score. Mark off any completed orthogonally adjacent numbers on your score sheet to earn points based on the selected consecutive or ascending numbers. Please note that you can only score each area once and can only score once per turn
3. End of the Game:
Play continues until a player reaches the "Game Over" line on their score sheet
All players finish the current round, then tally their final scores from the completed lines and bonus points
The player with the highest score wins! In case of a tie, you share the victory
Scoring:
Each completed row scores 2
Each combination scores the number of spaces used
If you complete all consecutive or identical numbers ranging from three through seven, you get a bonus 10 points
You are able to do a bonus combination of 8. It sounds crazy, but it is possible. Be sure to mark it only if you feel that a Number Drop won’t affect you later. This can backfire on your whole strategy
-5 points for each line you cross over after the pink game over line
Solo Variant:
Use the same rules but flip the block board to the solo mode. Select the five tiles that have the 1 and randomly place them on the block board.
What I Liked:
Simple, yet addictive: The core gameplay is incredibly easy to grasp, making it accessible to new, casual, and seasoned gamers. Even though the game is easy to teach, don’t underestimate the depth! Optimizing your placement and using blocks tactically offer plenty of brain-burning goodness
Fast and furious: Games typically take around 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for quick bursts of fun, palette cleansers, or back-to-back sessions. It's the kind of game that leaves you saying, "Just one more round!"
Tetris nostalgia: If you grew up clearing lines, Number Drop will spark that familiar joy. Seeing shapes fall onto your grid evokes the Tetris essence without relying on an electronic device
Replayability: Different dice combinations and the blocking mechanic ensure no two games are the same. You'll constantly be trying new strategies and adapting to the ever-changing dice rolls
Solo or social: Number Drop plays equally well solo or with others. The solo mode offers a satisfying puzzle challenge, while the multiplayer adds a dash of competitive spirit and tactical blocking
Language-independent: If you are playing with kids, people who don't like to read, or, in my case, with family that doesn't always speak English, this game can be enjoyed without having to translate or explain each move
What May Be a Drawback:
Can be a bit dry: While the gameplay is solid, some may find the retro and abstract nature of Number Drop a little bland. If you crave rich narratives or immersive worlds, this might not be your cup block of teatris. But it sure is for me!
Blocking can be mean: The blocking mechanic can lead to some groans and playful rivalry, especially in competitive groups, though who really plays with competitive people, right? HA HA! Just be prepared for some good-natured trash talk.
Limited player interaction: Beyond blocking, players don't directly interact with each other's grids. Some might prefer a more interactive multiplayer experience.
Some may consider it too luck based.
The game did not come with pencils or pens. This was surprising, but at the same time, we usually don’t use the given writing ware but still. WHY NO MARKERS?
Conclusion:
Number Drop is a roll-and-write that captures the essence of Tetris in a simple, portable package. It's fast, addictive, and offers plenty of strategic depth. While the theme is retro arcade and the player interaction is somewhat limited, I believe Number drop will be a hit for anyone enjoying polyomino, roll-and-write games, and Tetris. The game is fast-paced. It is easy-to-learn, and it is language independent
Happy gaming and rolling!
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