Trek 12

Trek 12 is a one to many roll and write game designed by Brunu Cathala and Corentin Lebrat and published by Pandasaurus Games. The game comes with three different alpine themed pads that increase in difficulty. The game lasts a total of 19 rounds in which players will be rolling two d6 and using a combination of these two numbers to complete areas on their piece of paper. At the beginning of a round one of the players rolls the two d6 and the numbers rolled will be available for all players to use. A player can then combine these two numbers in different ways such as:

• Adding the two numbers together
• Subtract one number from the other
• Multiplying the two numbers together
• Use the higher value of the two dice
• Use the lower value of the two dice

The resulting number is then written in one of the spaces on the map. The first number can be placed anywhere but subsequent numbers must be placed adjacent to an already placed number. Each of the combinations mentioned above can only be used a maximum of four times.

Players are trying to make chains of numbers as well as groups of like numbers to score end game points. Any number that does not belong to a chain or group at the end of the game loses the player points. The player with the most points after the 19 rounds is the winner.

There is a mini campaign element to the game where you play all three maps in order gaining bonuses and special actions as you progress.

Simple, elegant and accessible is probably the best way to describe Trek 12. First glance, you might be mistaken for it being an unassuming, simple roll and write. Whilst the core rules are fairly straightforward there is plenty to keep you on your toes. There is also a decent amount of content packed into the small(ish) box. Lets dig a little more into what makes Trek 12 such a great game.

Simplicity In A Box

Going back to the rules, this is a game that can be taught to a wide range of people. Gamers and non-gamers are going to grasp the core rules relatively quickly. Roll two dice, perform some basic maths and write a number down. Try and create chains of numbers and groups of the same number. That is pretty much the core game play in a very brief nutshell. This makes Trek 12 a very accessible game which I think is pretty neat. Once familiar with the first mountain, you can introduce the others. These work in exactly the same way apart from a few spots on the mountain where you are restricted to a six or lower. I love the simplicity in the rule set

The game is also very quick. 19 rounds might sound like a lot but each round is lightning fast. The restriction on the four use limit of each combination is great. Working out how best to utilise combinations based on the dice rolled is a big part of the game. You need to make sure that you don’t back yourself into a corner and limit your options too quickly by using all of the same combination.

Three’s A Charm

The three different maps are all variations on the same thing with the addition of the lower limit on some certain spaces. Whilst not an overly challenging restriction it still gives you something to think about when choosing what to do with your dice and where to place your result.

On top of this, there are three game modes. The “expedition” mode which is a single mountain for a quick one off game. The “Expedition” mode in which you play all three mountains one after the other and gain new gear depending on your score. Finally, “Free Solo” mode in which you can play one of the previous two modes against an AI. Each offers different things and you can choose which you want to play based on the audience and time available.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Trek 12 is a very fun, compact, accessible roll and write game. Playing solo or multiplayer, single assent or expedition there is a lot that this game offers. There are also various “challenges” that you can complete to open new nevelopes for more content. If you are a fan of roll and writes then this is one that you must check out.