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Rolling in the Reef

90%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
story, graphics
90% User Score Based on 60 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindowsLinuxLinuxMac OSMac OS
Buy Nowfrom $0.36
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About

"Rolling in the Reef" is a dice-driven strategy game where you guide a school of fish to thrive in their coral home. As a Sea Spirit, manipulate fish-dice, repel invaders, and dig up treasures. With unlockable artifacts, multiple playable "schools" of fish, and procedural generation, this game offers endless replayability and a deep, thoughtful experience.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Rolling in the Reef screenshot
Rolling in the Reef screenshot
Rolling in the Reef screenshot
Rolling in the Reef screenshot
Rolling in the Reef screenshot
Rolling in the Reef screenshot
Rolling in the Reef screenshot

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 60 reviews
gameplay10 positive mentions
graphics3 negative mentions
  • The game features a very good tutorial and offers plenty of depth to discover, making it accessible yet engaging for players.
  • It has a unique and original concept that combines dice mechanics with a light strategy theme, providing a relaxing gameplay experience.
  • The game adjusts its difficulty based on player performance, ensuring a balanced challenge that keeps players coming back for more.
  • Many players find the game too easy, especially at lower levels, which may lead to a lack of challenge for more experienced gamers.
  • There is no control over the difficulty, as the game automatically adjusts it for the player, which some may find frustrating.
  • The game lacks a compelling narrative or story, which can make it feel less engaging over time compared to other titles in the genre.
  • gameplay
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by a blend of familiar board game mechanics, spatial strategy, and resource management, offering a relaxing and engaging experience. While some players find it less innovative compared to previous titles, many appreciate its simplicity and the addictive "one more round" loop, making it accessible for all ages. Overall, it provides a satisfying mix of fun and depth, suitable for both casual and strategic play.

    • “While you could say that each new braingoodgame is 'just' an iteration on the same core principles, they always take a fresh approach to the same kind of mechanics and just keep getting better.”
    • “Gameplay is a completely engrossing mix of spatial strategy, resource management, and risk management.”
    • “Its light theme, fun gameplay, and relaxing atmosphere make it a great way to unwind.”
    • “Similar vibes to Solar Settlers, but the soundtrack feels less on point/theme than Solar Settlers, and the gameplay, while similar, is also pretty different.”
    • “The mechanics are fresh for a video game (maybe), but certainly not for board games proper.”
    • “It's unlike anything I've seen or played, but it has mechanics that are simple enough (that I've seen and played many times).”
  • story
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews highlight a mixed reception regarding the story aspect of the games. While Bgg is praised for its engaging narratives in titles like "Solar Settlers," "Rolling in the Reef" is criticized for its lack of a compelling storyline, leaving players feeling unengaged despite the presence of unlockables and missions. Overall, the storytelling quality varies significantly between titles.

    • “Bgg has proven to have compelling and fun games with engaging storylines underlying the core gameplay.”
    • “Their last game, Solar Settlers, is a prime example of good storytelling in a casual game.”
    • “You unlock different bonuses, fish, missions, etc. for winning levels that stay permanently.”
    • “However, rolling in the reef lacks a story to keep me engaged to play more.”
    • “That's as deep as the story gets.”
    • “+ lack of storytelling”
  • graphics
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Solar Settlers" receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the balance between colorful backgrounds and clear, simple icons, while others find the artwork to be only slightly above basic programmer art. There are suggestions for improvements, such as a more cohesive soundtrack and minor visual tweaks, indicating a desire for refinement in the game's aesthetic. Overall, the visuals are generally well-received, though preferences vary among players.

    • “I especially like the graphics.”
    • “I prefer the older braingoodgames with their really simple icons and flat colors to the graphics of their more colorful games (such as Solar Settlers, which is also great) and this one seems to be the perfect balance between a colorful and active background, while still having a simple and clear playing field with easy to read icons.”
    • “The artwork is par for the course with the braingoodgames library in that it is one notch above programmer art.”
    • “While opinions differ, the artwork really isn't for me.”
    • “I'd love to see this game revisited by the dev someday with a soundtrack that has a more cohesive feel to it and more of an underwater vibe and possibly tweak the visuals just a little.”
  • music
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is described as fun and catchy, yet it lacks the thematic cohesion found in similar titles like Solar Settlers. While enjoyable, many players feel that the soundtrack could benefit from a more immersive underwater vibe and a stronger connection to the game's visuals. Overall, the music is considered unobtrusive but not as impactful as it could be.

    • “The theme is fun and light, the music is catchy but unobtrusive.”
    • “I enjoy both, but the soundtrack and visuals of Solar Settlers are superior.”
    • “I'd love to see this game revisited by the dev someday with a soundtrack that has a more cohesive feel to it and more of an underwater vibe and possibly tweak the visuals just a little.”
  • replayability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game is praised for its replayability, particularly due to its procedurally generated levels that provide a fresh experience each time. However, some players feel that after a few levels, the motivation to continue diminishes, suggesting a need for more compelling reasons to keep playing.

    • “Very well done, very entertaining (if you like puzzle games), and very replayable.”
    • “The game is easy to understand and offers a bit of replayability.”
    • “The procedurally generated levels offer endless replayability.”
    • “The procedurally generated levels offer endless replayability, but I lack a reason to play the game after more than a level or two.”
    • “The procedurally generated levels offer endless replayability, but I lack a reason to play the game after more than a level or two.”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's light theme and fun gameplay contribute to a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for players looking to unwind.

    • “Its light theme, fun gameplay, and relaxing atmosphere make it a great way to unwind.”

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