This article covers my first impressions of this version of Robo Rally. Click here to see my thoughts on the gameplay and rules.
Robo Rally is nothing short of iconic. Renegade Games brought it back last year with a new printing that has been the best version of the game since its original launch. Now, one year later, it is back with a 30th Anniversary Edition that celebrates the game’s legacy and introduces a few upgrades to improve the player experience. This edition comes with deluxe components that add to the chaotic fun that we all know and love.
Plenty of fantastic cosmetic updates are included in the huge box. However, players considering double-dipping after buying the game last year may wonder what gameplay differences exist. The most significant upgrade is the increased player count—now up to 8 players can sit together around the table. Robo Rally is among the few board games that benefit from a high player count. This is a welcome change for larger game groups, and the set now includes 8 pre-painted robot miniatures, each with its own player board and deck. I didn’t get a chance to gather 8 people at the table for this one, but based on the game’s flow, it shouldn’t be too much of a slog with the two additional players. The game is already at its best with more players, including the cap of six in last year’s version. It’s hard to imagine it getting any worse with 8 players, so players who can accommodate this nearly absurd player count will likely have a great time. The miniatures themselves look far more polished than those in the base game and feel like premium components. Even if it’s not as fun with 4-6 players, more options are never a bad thing.
As for the components, Robo Rally: 30th Anniversary Edition goes the extra mile. The box is larger to accommodate all the expansion maps. The player boards have also been upgraded, now sturdier and probably twice as thick as the original boards. They also have notches built in to keep everything from sliding around, which is great. There are also 4 double-sided boards for maps, giving players tons of variety.
To learn more about how Robo Rally plays and my thoughts on the game itself, check out my review of the base game here.
