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Collection Status
Your Rating
Description
Welcome to the Rococo era during the reign of Louis XV when it’s safe to say that holding lavish balls is quite trendy. Important personalities wrap up in noble coats and dresses, anxious to outshine one another. As the biggest event is coming up in just a few weeks, everyone is turning to you with their requests: an elegant coat here, a stunning dress there, or a donation to fund the fireworks at the event. Soon you realize that it’s not just about your dressmaking business anymore — it’s about managing the most prestigious ball of the era…and now it’s time to roc(k)!
Rococo is a Eurostyle board game with an interesting take on deck-building. Each turn you play one of your employee cards and let that employee perform a task: hire a new employee, buy resources, manufacture a coat or dress, or invest in the ball’s decorations. But not every employee is up to every task, so you must choose and lead your employees wisely — especially since each employee grants a unique bonus and some of these bonuses generate prestige points.
After seven rounds, the game ends with the big ball and a final scoring. Then you gain prestige points for certain employee bonuses and for coats and dresses that you rent out to guests at the ball as well as for decorations that you funded. The player who collected the most prestige points wins.
Year Published
2013
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 18
This page: 18
Sentiment:
pos 15 ·
mix 2 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–18 of 18
Video fSa_uQgqJJc
game_review at 0:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 36529 · mention_pk 109623
Click to watch at 0:26 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Innovative twist on four-in-a-row
- Beautiful sci-fi aesthetic with large totems
- Tension-building, tactical feel in a short playtime
- Rules are simple to learn but offer depth
- Opportunity to use opponent's pieces adds strategic depth
Cons
- Potential repetition and simplistic depth with repeated plays
- Solvability could lead to predictability for some players
Thematic elements
- Tension between offense and defense in a four-in-a-row concept that uses opponent's pieces.
- Abstract strategy game with two central totems and O's and X's on a sci-fi themed board.
- expository/tutorial
Comparison games
- Connect Four
- Tic-Tac-Toe
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Jump rule when surrounded — If a piece is surrounded, you may jump to another spot; if the new spot is surrounded, you may place a piece elsewhere.
- Move-to-totem mechanic — On your turn, move one of the two central totems any distance (at least one space).
- Movement points — On your turn, move one of the two central totems any distance (at least one space).
- Piece placement adjacent to moved totem — After moving the totem, place one of your own pieces in an adjacent spot to the totem.
- restricted movement — You cannot move other pieces; movement is restricted to the two central totems.
- Use opponent's pieces — You can use your opponent's pieces for the purposes of forming lines (O or X).
- win condition — Win by creating four in a row of your color or of your pieces in a line after a move.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- really like the look of this one.
- The pink versus black has a real kind of look, right? It looks very sci-fi Tron kind of thing.
- I like those big pieces that you know the totems, I guess they're called that they're blue, so they're clearly not anyone's. And just it has a very good feel to it.
- this is a game that constricts itself very quickly.
- It has this like incredibly good rising tension, right? I feel like I might make a mistake.
- I'm going to give this one a 7.5.
- Oh, oddly enough, that is also my score 7.5.
- nice variant on the get four in a row, which is one of my favorite tropes in an abstract game.
- I think it's a good uh abstract game and it looks really cool.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DD95-ffcTOI
Dice Tower analysis at 17:29 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31119 · mention_pk 91751
Click to watch at 17:29 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong visual aesthetic; the sci-fi Tron vibe and large totems create a striking look.
- Rising tension and the possibility of dramatic comebacks keep players engaged.
Cons
- Rule weight is moderate-high for an abstract; some rules take time to internalize (e.g., the interaction between moving a piece and placing on adjacent spots).
- Strategy can feel opaque on first plays; some players may struggle to see a winning path quickly.
Thematic elements
- tactical token placement with stacking and capture flavor
- sci-fi inspired grid with O and X pieces and central totems
- abstract strategy with elegant yet accessible pieces
Comparison games
- Dvonn
- Kamisado
- Kakari
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- capture-and-move dynamic around totems — The board features two central totems; after moves, players place O or X tokens in the four adjacent spots to the moved position, creating evolving control around the central area.
- stack-based placement and movement — Players move one of their moving pieces (or stacks) along the board, and after the move, place an additional piece adjacent to the moved piece. You may move a piece at least one space but can choose to direct it to become a stack atop an existing piece.
- win conditions via four-in-a-row and stacking interactions — You win if you complete four in a row of your color, regardless of symbol (X or O); you can also win if your move creates a four-in-a-row for the opponent under specific circumstances, adding pressure and misdirection.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is one of the better abstract games I've played in a while, I got to say.
- I love games that quickly develop into that feeling of oh, I might make a mistake.
- The look is very sci-fi Tron kind of thing.
- This game has rising tension back and forth trying to be careful not to give you the winning spot.
- The production is nice, but there are holes in the board that require extra setup and punch-out.
- I’m going to give this one a nine out of 10.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video AZt_hMIBhMI
Adam Porter top_10_list at 17:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13751 · mention_pk 110985
Click to watch at 17:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Chaotic and entertaining; great party game
- Readily accessible and visually engaging
Cons
- Can feel chaotic to some players; less depth for heavy gamers
Thematic elements
- Spells, wizards, and magical gestures
- Fantasy wizard-themed spin on a classic game
- Chaotic, humorous, and highly interactive
Comparison games
- Cash and Guns
- Jungle Speed
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Chaotic spell deck — A deck of spell cards introduces unpredictable twists mid-play.
- deck manipulation — A deck of spell cards introduces unpredictable twists mid-play.
- Gesture-based combat with a rock-paper-scissors frame — Each spell corresponds to a hand gesture; players cast spells to move along a track or affect opponents.
- Rock-Paper-Scissors — Each spell corresponds to a hand gesture; players cast spells to move along a track or affect opponents.
- Track advancement — Advancing toward treasure while spells can push you back or steal resources.
- Track advancement with penalties — Advancing toward treasure while spells can push you back or steal resources.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's got gorgeous artwork to it
- I think there's multiple editions perhaps they've got different artwork
- it's in the same range as that really good trick taking game
- This is the very definition of a filler game right you're not going to play this for long two minutes per game you'll probably play it four or five times
- it's loud really frantic really active
- anomia is a hilarious game right where you've got a central deck of cards you turn over
- it's absolutely hilarious
- this is a Twist on rock paper scissors
- it's the Mind is this turned into a card game so you've got a hand of cards with different numbers on them and the numbers all go in a sequence
- it's Cooperative you're trying to succeed at getting rid of all your cards
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8At8Xdnduvk
Unknown design_philosophy at 0:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12788 · mention_pk 128139
Click to watch at 0:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly memorable table presence that can differentiate a product in a crowded market
- physical components are highlighted as a key differentiator and marketing hook
- appeals to toy industry professionals and mass-market audiences
Cons
- the video frames the hook as primarily the presentation rather than the gameplay, which may disappoint players seeking depth
- success depends on component quality and production values
Thematic elements
- presentation and table presence as a differentiator
- abstract, presentation-driven theme emphasizing visual and tactile appeal
- expository discussion of game hooks and physical presence
Comparison games
- Wingspan
- Camel Up
- Tak
- Tikal
- Planka
- Gazanka
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Trick-taking — the game is introduced as a trick-taking title; emphasis shifts to the look and feel of the components rather than purely the mechanics
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the defining feature of picoco was not the gameplay as i'd imagined but the presentation
- a strong physical presence can really lift a product
- the spark of an idea can come from anywhere so why not a contraption, a cardboard device, a gimmick, a widget
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0ZQXPN-yzPc
Adam Porter analysis at 3:41 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 11070 · mention_pk 117706
Click to watch at 3:41 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- unknown — Details not provided in transcript.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The publisher has the exclusive right to adapt all or part of the game into any genre and any format and to make use of these in any way as well as the right to improve or modify the game using any third party chosen by the publisher.
- The author shall be given 24 hours to review the final version of the rules before they are printed.
- If you want a publisher to fund the production of your game to take all the financial risk to promote the game through their established channels and highlight the game as one of their own you're going to have to relinquish a lot of control.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3KEKvck0cz8
Foster the Meeple general_discussion at 3:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10557 · mention_pk 31037
Click to watch at 3:45 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we are here today to do a video once again of our shelf of shame
- we are going to be focusing on our shelf of shame games to try and knock that number down
- we are going to commit to 20 games that we must play in September
- Power comes great responsibility
- that’s a big motivator
- please do
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sTFDuSSXxf8
design_philosophy at 0:16 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 8213 · mention_pk 114544
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Exciting new twist on trick-taking
- Ambitious design that integrates unique components
Cons
- Expensive to manufacture due to card holders
- Box size and price may mislead consumers about the game depth
Thematic elements
- Design-driven exploration of how presentation influences perceived value
- Product packaging and market expectations in the modern board game industry
- Meta-discussion about promises vs reality in product design
Comparison games
- Sushi Go
- Ticket to Ride
- Oceanos
- Power Grid
- Abandon All Artichokes
- Wishes Were Fishes
- TakanoKo
- Bucket King 3D
- Throne
- Monopoly
- Animals on Board
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dice-based/resource management — Use of a large number of dice to drive gameplay decisions
- hand management — Players manage a hand of cards (and holders) to optimize actions
- hand_management — Players manage a hand of cards (and holders) to optimize actions
- Trick-taking — Twist on traditional trick-taking with an emphasis on innovative components
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- customers don't purchase products they purchase a better version of themselves
- the outward presentation of our product sets expectations in the user
- it's central to the design
- it's an observation i can relate to
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video UDfT4UzFiiM
Unknown general_discussion at 5:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7967 · mention_pk 23400
Click to watch at 5:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong thematic flavor and elegance
- enjoyable three-player dynamic (as highlighted in video)
Cons
- production complexity may deter newcomers
Thematic elements
- couture dressmaking and ball culture
- 18th-century fashion and social display
- thematic, production-to-display with resource management
Comparison games
- Great Western Trail
- Wavelength
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- display/auction-y scoring — score through display opportunities at the grand ball
- Resource management — collect resources to craft dresses and fulfill display opportunities
- set collection / engine-like progression — use gathered resources to craft and/or display outfits
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's kind of fun right
- it's kind of structured
- we're gonna be playing them in order of release so we're gonna be starting with video this first release and all the way up until on Mars
- we'll probably do it again in the future with a whole new list of games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video aYtay691ASI
Unknown general_discussion at 10:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7335 · mention_pk 100169
Click to watch at 10:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fun, silly, and accessible
- great for party settings
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- duels and spellcasting with gestures
- fantasy duel with wizards
- fast-paced, humorous competition
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- dexterity and luck elements — gestures and timing influence outcomes
- multiplayer confrontation — simultaneous play with spells and counter-spells
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- cartographers that's got a solo mode doesn't it
- I'd like to play the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shadows of the Past I've got that game it works brilliantly for five players
- Twilight Struggle there we go
- Fantasy Realms nice little portable card game simple to teach lots of nice strategy
- this dragon's gold now
- that game is the meanest game I think I've got
- Power Grid plays with six and it's quite good with bigger numbers but I'm rubbish at it
- Pitch Out flicking game really good totally overlooked
- self-serving because it is my own design but would play a nice three-player game of Doodle Rush
- rock paper wizard that's what I'd go for
- I've changed a lot over the years didn't enjoy killer bunnies
- Ticket to Ride is very predictable isn't it
- Identic that's what I'd go for duplic or identic it's the same game
- the most complex games that I have are Dominant Species and Poseidon
- Poseidon that's a heavy economic game an introductory 18xx game
- I could easily imagine a bunch of six to eight year olds asking to play Monopoly that would ruin my day
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video iP287jdzHJo
Board Games Hitting My Table general_discussion at 9:53 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6399 · mention_pk 94395
Click to watch at 9:53 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed to positive
Pros
- Well-rounded with clever twists
- Good re-playability with card queuing
Cons
- Decisions can become predictable with experience
- Not always standout in a crowded market
Thematic elements
- Pattern-building road network with score opportunities
- Pythagoras-themed tile placement
- Clever, twisty tile-placement
Comparison games
- Cartographers
- Isle of Skye
- Sperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — Pattern-oriented scoring with tile placement choices
- Card drafting with set scoring — Pattern-oriented scoring with tile placement choices
- Card queuing with multi-round scoring — Played cards score for three rounds; you must balance money to keep playing
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is one of many games i'm talking about here that i did purchase at the uk games expo
- i think i can give it a 7 out of 10
- it's a very neat game
- it's multiplayer solitaire with a race aspect
- one of the all-time classics
- this is a very well-rounded game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video B3-bRXBlsOU
Unknown general_discussion at 0:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4820 · mention_pk 114293
Click to watch at 0:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- illustrates the importance of aligning product design with gameplay
- serves as a case study in design thinking applied to a project
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Happy Salmon
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetric Mechanics — reworking and merging existing game mechanisms to create something new
- mechanism subversion — reworking and merging existing game mechanisms to create something new
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- empathy a product design approach puts the user right at the center of the process from day one
- prototype doesn't have to be finished it doesn't have to be pretty and it doesn't even have to work
- you can just grab some markers some blank cards some components that you borrow from games that are on your shelf as long as you get the thing on the table and you get it played
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video m7-_G0XHemY
Adam in Wales general_discussion at 4:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4773 · mention_pk 117771
Click to watch at 4:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Clear appeal for trick-taking fans
- Noted for a playful, twist on a familiar genre
Cons
- No deep critical critique included in the segment
Thematic elements
- Trick-taking with a twist
- Party/trick-taking themed
- N/A
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Trick-taking — Core trick-taking game structure with a non-traditional objective (avoiding or manipulating tricks)
- Trick-taking with twist — Core trick-taking game structure with a non-traditional objective (avoiding or manipulating tricks)
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "Kuzco is the remake of Java which is one of Keesling and Kramer's mask trilogy along with Tikal and Mexico which are brilliant games"
- "I already know that I love the game Java so that is high on my list"
- "gingerbread house this is from lookout Spieler look how free that is pretty big pretty mark of quality"
- "Seven for the Queen competing to create a new necklace for the Queen and it won the best unpublished game competition"
- "Coco is a trick-taking game ya fool or Papa is a classic trick-taking game with a twist"
- "the game changes... it's basically an expansion that works for every game"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pK46PfwF2Qs
Sheffield Board Gamers general_discussion at 19:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4297 · mention_pk 12525
Click to watch at 19:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Thematic and accessible
- Solid dexterity/puzzle blend
Cons
- Artwork described as beige by participants
- Can be fiddly with some components
Thematic elements
- Costume design, showmanship, and audience desires
- High-society fashion and dressmaking setting
- Thematic, tableful of interactions
Comparison games
- Junk Art
- Men at Work
- Circus
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Drafting / bidding — Players draft cards and bid to fulfill orders with elaborate costs and timing
- tableau building — Players balance outfits (resources) against audience desires (bear counters) to score
- Tableau-building with audience/desire mechanics — Players balance outfits (resources) against audience desires (bear counters) to score
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- bollocks about ball games
- grab your phone and start talking and worry about quality later
- it's not really a full-time job I'm not doing it for the money
- you've got to think about what you want to watch
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video U1MOS2UYqXA
Foster the Meeple top_10_list at 8:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3830 · mention_pk 11264
Click to watch at 8:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Dressmaking, social striving, and elegance
- 18th-century European fashion houses
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection / action drafting — Players collect resources and manage tasks to craft outfits
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "Obsession is a great game."
- "it's a deception game that you actually have to like go off and have secret conversations with people."
- "in coup you don't trust anyone. No. At all."
- "Dixit because the cards are weird and the art's weird and like, you know, it's kind of a whimsy."
- "Long Shot the Dice Game"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CclpzcO5V2o
Chairman of the Board general_discussion at 1:01:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3348 · mention_pk 9906
Click to watch at 1:01:50 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful production
- tight integration of mechanics with theme
Cons
- not revolutionary; very refined
Thematic elements
- dressmaking and aristocratic ballrooms
- 18th-century European fashion and court life
- luxurious, hand-management with elegant systems
Comparison games
- Babylonia
- Concordia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area_control — Influence ballrooms and fashion dynamics to score points.
- hand_management — Manage a hand of clothes and fabric cards for scoring.
- set_collection — Assemble outfits and ensembles for bonus points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I would say I prefer Praga Caput Regni.
- Praga Caput Regni is my number one game of 2020.
- I absolutely love everything about the hobby to be honest.
- I love the social aspect of the hobby.
- I'm a semi-omnigamer in some ways yes in some ways no.
- Quacks of Quedlinburg lived up to the hype for me.
- Concordia is one of my favorite games; timeless and elegant.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 2Zzqtc2Q8mg
general_discussion at 3:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2737 · mention_pk 89420
Click to watch at 3:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Colorblind-accessible design considerations
- Strong visual presentation
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- color-based pattern matching
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Pattern Building — Layout patterns of colors to match those on cards; cubes have color-specific icons
- pattern matching — Layout patterns of colors to match those on cards; cubes have color-specific icons
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There are really two groups of designers
- the attempt to make all games playable by all people is a lofty ideal
- colorblind accessibility was at the forefront of our minds as we designed
- stand up for your views it's important that you collectively produce a product which you as designer can be proud of
- publishers need inventors just as much as we need them
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video rQr5a_v4Gv0
The Secret Cabal top_50_list at 11:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1806 · mention_pk 5218
Click to watch at 11:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rich, elegant theme that disarms some thematic hesitations
- Deep strategic possibilities with deck-building and worker recruitment
Cons
- Theme can be opaque to new players
- Some players may find table presence modest
Thematic elements
- Dressmaking, social choreography, and deck-building resource management
- 18th-century fashion and court life in a palace
- thematic euro with elegant, fashion-forward aesthetics
Comparison games
- Gaia Project
- Terra Mystica
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building — recruit workers and gain actions from a personal deck
- Resource management — manage workers, tokens, and actions to optimize outcomes
- set collection / scoring — score through achieving fashion-wide sets and rewards
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I dare say this is the best game that they have ever put out
- it's actually interesting variation of strategy
- I love the asymmetric play, it's really cool
- I walk away from that game thinking about what I did and how I could have done better
- I am a huge mind Clash fan
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video KmoT3OxF_6A
Adam Porter Design Musings general_discussion at 7:16 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 1676 · mention_pk 121526
Click to watch at 7:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Loved by designer; early design tested extensively
Cons
- Polarity of feedback from players
Thematic elements
- unknown
- unknown
- polarizing but beloved by the designer
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- unknown — No explicit mechanics mentioned.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- as tabletop game designers we frequently put ourselves under insane pressure we set ourselves unachievable goals and compare ourselves to other professionals who work in a totally different context with totally different resources
- be rigorous and honest and introspective do what you have to do don't cut corners
- read the room use your judgment your intuition and play test enough
- publishers want to hear from you believe me this is the most open approachable industry that i've worked in
- it's a gut feeling and it varies
- there are always more changes that could be made
- you do it your way that's all you can do
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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