Kero

Hurrican, Hobby Japan, Kaissa Chess & Games · Board game · 2018
2 · best 2 30 min Weight 2.1/5
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
8.6 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy fast-paced, tense, and dice-heavy games, Kero is your pick! It's a fierce two-clan battle for survival, packed with adrenaline and real-time decisions.

Highlights
  • Frantic dice rolling
  • Quick, tense decisions
  • Direct player interaction
  • Unique post-apocalyptic theme
Keep in mind
  • Relies on dice luck
  • Can feel chaotic
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In the not-so-distant future of 2471, kerosene (KERO) has become a scarce luxury, and survival hinges on who manages it best. In Kero, two rival clans battle for every drop of this precious resource in a post-apocalyptic, unforgiving world. Each player takes on the role of a clan leader, managing a camp, a tanker truck, and seven explorers.

The objective is to collect as much kerosene and other resources as possible to expand your territory and upgrade your camp, all while trying to spend as little of your own truck's fuel as possible. Victory goes to the clan that accumulates the most points, derived from cards and conquered territories.

The game unfolds over three intense rounds, with each turn being a race against time. The core mechanic involves rolling dice in real-time, using a sand timer of about 60 seconds. You can re-roll the dice as many times as you wish, locking in favorable results to gather resources and perform actions like acquiring ability cards, hiring Tuarek mercenaries, or sending explorers into new territories. Beware of the fire dice, which can burn your cards, and running out of KERO, which can cost you your entire turn!

Kero is a light, tactical, and frantic game that balances strategy and luck. Despite its grim theme, the artwork is vibrant and colorful. It offers a fast-paced experience, perfect for those who enjoy dice games with a "push your luck" element and a good dose of "take that" interaction, all within matches that last no more than 30 minutes. Prepare for quick decisions and plenty of adrenaline!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Components: Sand Timers Players: Two-Player Only Games Theme: Dieselpunk Theme: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher Hurrican, Hobby Japan, Kaissa Chess & Games
Designer Prospero Hall, Sean Fletcher
Artist Pierô
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Kero?
Kero games are quite fast, typically lasting around 30 minutes.
How many players is Kero for?
Kero is designed exclusively for 2 players, offering an intense and direct experience between opponents.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
No, Kero is considered a light and tactical game. The core rules are easy to grasp, but the depth comes from time management and decisions under pressure.
What components stand out in Kero?
The game comes with two custom sand timers (tanker-timers) that are essential for the real-time mechanic, as well as custom dice with icons.
Who would you recommend Kero for?
We recommend Kero for fans of dice games, 'push your luck' and 'take that' mechanics, and those who don't mind a bit of chaos and luck. It's great for anyone looking for quick and exciting matches.
Is the post-apocalyptic theme very dark?
The theme is post-apocalyptic, but the artwork is vibrant and colorful, which softens the theme a bit. The focus is more on the race for resources than on a scenario of total desolation.