Lockup: A Roll Player Tale

Run a gang of captured Dragul in a fantasy prison, crafting contraband and dodging the guards' suspicion.

Designer: Stan Kordonskiy
Published by: Thunderworks Games
Editions by: Hobby World, Schwerkraft-Verlag, Raven Distribution, Gen-X Games, Intrafin Games, Ogry Games

Lockup: A Roll Player Tale (2019) is a worker-placement game set in Kulbak Prison, a place with enchanted gates and Construct guards. During the Dragul Invasion of Nalos, King Taron throws captured minions in there, and once a year he releases the toughest gang into the royal Colosseum. You lead a squad of captured Dragul: recruit goons, craft contraband and raise your reputation while keeping the guards' suspicion low. After six short days, Taron may offer you the chance to fight for your freedom. A one-to-five player prison-yard power struggle in the Roll Player universe, about ninety minutes.

Prison setting in the Roll Player universeWorker placement plus area majorityCraft contraband without alerting the guards

Who it's for

You like worker placement with a twist, enjoy fantasy theme, and want a game that works with one to five players, especially at three or four.

Not for you if…

You want a light and friendly game, or you are not fond of secret placement and auction-style competition. It is competitive and a little cutthroat.

Vibe's take

Scheming and tense: you place workers, bluff a little and watch your suspicion meter, because a growing reputation also draws guard attention. The six-day structure keeps every decision weighty without letting it drag.