I very much enjoyed the original Bang! and it’s additions. I want something that feels like the shooting dice equivalent to Bangs! Poker. How good is the dice version and are there other games that are better but share the direction?
It’s good! It’s basically exactly what you’re describing: a paired down dice version of the original. It plays a lot faster, which is a big plus, and it’s rules are simpler. You do lose something in the process, some of my friends missed all the shenanigans with guns, horses, and TNT
there is a dynamite side. if you roll dynamite, it cannot be re-rolled. have 3 dynamite showing will end your turn and you lose a life.
I think it vastly improves on the card game. The dice bring a “pick up and play” element that was missing from the card game because I was always spending half of every game explaining to players how the cards work. Bang Dice was everything I wanted; the push your luck element amps up the fun in a big way, and the removal of hand management cuts down on analysis paralysis. It’s fast, fun, and a perfect pub game.
Personally, I think bang the dice game is overall a better experience. The end goal is the same regarding the roles, but instead your actions are restricted to what you roll, with a push your luck mechanic that allows for rerolls while keeping it a risk to do so.
Because there are no items, you don’t end up in the situation where the sheriff is sitting behind both a hideout and a mustang, flanked by his deputies, unreachable by card steeling mechanics and making it harder for other players to make an impact on his health. While arguably the lack of card combos eliminate cool moments like unloading a ton of saved up bang cards with a volcanic, it also leads to the biggest improvement to game: the games end more quickly so players don’t sit out as long. It is also, significantly easier to teach and learn, so it’s easy to get it to the table with large groups.
Fully agree.
The dice game completely eliminates the early game of everyone just hiding, waiting. You have to start shooting if the dice say so. You can stall a bit by immediately giving someone a beer after sitting them, but there’s more shooting than beer on the dice. Also, the arrow mechanic puts a timer on everyone’s head.
Finally, something has to be said for the dice themselves: they are super heavy and hit the table with an audible Bang! which is really neat.
I have great memories of the dice game. It’s great for three players, too. It’s also easier to explain to people
