u/Inside-Ladder-4160

So I made this game back in 2019, and have played it with a bunch of friends over the years. My niece just calls it "Easier Chess" lol.

TL;DR I'm looking for feedback on adding a theme to this game, or if it even needs one.
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Criss Cross Game Manual

Public Online Version (PCIO Room)

Up until now I never gave it a theme as it felt "complete enough" in my mind. I haven't planned on trying to actually publish it. The mechanics are solid to me, so it never crossed my mind.

But after watching a YT video talking about mechanics v theme when first designing a game, it made me reconsider theming my game.

I settled on Frogs as a general theme as the movement mechanics align with it, maybe making movement a bit more intuitive. Surprisingly, it added a layer of depth I rather enjoy.

The new theme and working title "Capture The Pad" (Last photo in attached pictures is my first prototype)

This theme modifies the game in a few significant ways, aside from aesthetics:

• There are now 5 lily pads on the backrow for each player.
• Once a player reaches the enemies backrow, instead of swapping the piece out for a "soldier", the player instead obtains possession of the lily pad it lands on. And attempts to return it to their side of the board. Hence the name Capture The Pad.
• The ability to occupy the backrow is now DEPENDENT on a lily pad being present. Adding the aforementioned layer of depth that I enjoy.
• Aside from mechanics, there would be naming changes for things like "Kills" and such to match the theme.

Sidenote: I really just love having little frogs and lily pads as pieces.

Outcome of change: A player attempts to make it to the enemy's back row and steals their lily pad, removing 1 available space on the enemy's backrow (making it easier to win by "Domination"). While also progressing towards the other win state "Pad Captured" (originally named "Recovery")

Players now have a clearer incentive for going to the enemy's backrow, where previously some players would opt to be more passive and only attacking when necessary. A valid strategy, but leads to more "Lock Out" game states. Which is not as rewarding for either player.

My 3 questions:

1. Do you think the current version has strong enough legs to stand on as a published game, or is it too generic?

2. What theme do you think fits Criss Cross, if any?

3. Do you think my Frog theme idea adds positive and meaningful change to the original game?

Any thoughts are welcomed! Sorry for the novel

BagShot is a mix of footbag net and soccer/football, with some twists.

BagShot Manual

The objective is to complete a volley between teammates and then kick the footbag into the opposing goal for a point. The opposing team will attempt to block the goal or counter for a point. The first team to score 11 points wins.

Years ago, a few friends and I were playing "Elimination" in the living room, and after many errant kicks into the walls, we noticed it was actually pretty fun to hit the wall instead of a person (a static target is easier to hit haha). We devised some basic rules and started playing this new variation of a game we all loved...

Fast-forward a few years and I finally got around to making a portable prototype you see pictured above.

I am planning on getting some gameplay footage here soon, but wanted to share since the community has been so active recently!

I'll probably make an update post once I get to play it some more this summer.

Let me know if you have any questions! Open to feedback.