It's 1977. You're an up-and-coming musician, dreaming of making it big with your band. Over the next few months you'll rehearse, play gigs, write songs, and promote your band. With careful planning and a little luck, you'll earn the most fame and become the best new artist of the year.
Designed by Jackie Fox (member of the 1970s rock band "The Runaways", four-time Jeopardy! champion, and designer of the narrative adventure trilogy The Adventures of the Chubby Slugz) and illustrated by Jennifer Giner, Rock Hard: 1977 allows games for groups of between 2 and 5 players, from 14 years old, in games lasting about 45-90 minutes.
Rock Hard: 1977 is played over a maximum of nine rounds, each representing a typical day of one month in 1977, from April to December. You win the game by accruing the most fame. How? Increasing reputation, chops and songs; achieving production, performance, and publicity bonuses; getting record deals and earning royalties; playing concerts; and hanging out at the hottest after-hours spot. Ready to live like a rock star?
—description from the publisher
- fantastic, immersive theme
- candy mechanic adds flavor
- theme may be niche
- might be heavier for casual players
- touring and building a band
- 1980s rock band culture
- thematic and vivid
- Draft & Right Records
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice-augmented worker placement — dice and actions drive band-building and touring decisions
- set collection — collect cards representing band assets and gigs
- set collection / card play — collect cards representing band assets and gigs
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Creature Caravan is absolutely wonderful
- these expansions add a little bit more player interaction which I think is absolutely amazing
- I think this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing games I've played
- Beyond the Sun is space-themed
- Fromage is truly just a really great game
- MOS: Dawn of the Bronze Age is absolutely wonderful
References (from this video)
- Vibrant theme with humor and pop culture nods
- May rely on thematic quirks that are not for everyone
- Music career arc—from work to stardom
- Rock and roll era with a working life balance
- Satirical and energetic
- Donuts for Donuts
- Wingspan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Worker movement / career progression — Players navigate work life and then pursue a rock-star fantasy.
- worker placement — Players navigate work life and then pursue a rock-star fantasy.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- The weirder, the better. I love it.
- It's going to be a real hit.
- This is all in fun as per usual.
References (from this video)
- Thematic and immersive
- Great production value and vibe
- May be mature for families
- Can be long for some groups
- music industry, fame, production
- 1970s rock scene
- adult, energetic
- Food Chain Magnate
- Dune Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hand management — Manage a hand of cards and actions for the day-to-day musical economy.
- Hand/queue management — Manage a hand of cards and actions for the day-to-day musical economy.
- Production/experience pacing — Gain fame, production, and recruitment for gigs.
- worker placement — Place workers to secure deals and performances.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I love worker placement games.
- The spice must flow.
- This stream is about the top 20 worker placement games and we love them all.