Rock Hard: 1977

In my head, the proper soundtrack for Rock Hard: 1977 is Public Enemy’s “Don't Believe the Hype.” Yes, it does not have many guitars, but the warning fits perfectly: do not get taken in by the production and the theme. It is nicely put together and honestly rock-themed, yet beneath the wrapping I found a yolo game so bland that I almost admire its confidence.

Its core rests on a push-your-luck mechanism involving little candies. You take your risk, hope the right candy comes up, and proceed according to whatever luck handed you. For a euro, I found this system unbearable: it does not build tension or interesting decisions; it merely leaves you staring at the result as though the game itself has played a prank on you.

The interaction, as I experienced it, does not rescue matters; the table revolves more around whether you are blessed or cursed by the draw. And when the god of cards serves you a dud candy, there is no elegant design to admire, nor much chance to regroup against the other players. You simply get another reminder that the game confused randomness with gameplay.

I am not saying you will not laugh during one play, especially if the theme appeals to you. But I genuinely wonder how people praise it as a great game, and even more how anyone could voluntarily sit down for a second go. Namaste.