Rock Hard 1977

It’s 1977. You’re a promising musician with big dreams of making it big with your band. Over the next few months, you’ll rehearse, perform, write songs, and promote your band. With careful planning and a bit of luck, you’ll rise above the rest and become the breakout artist of the year. Designed by the legendary Jackie Fox (a former member of the 70s rock band The Runaways) and illustrated by Jennifer Giner, Rock Hard: 1977 is a board game for 2 to 5 players, ages 14 and up, with sessions lasting between 45 and 90 minutes.

Through worker placement mechanics and events, players take on the role of an emerging rock star, competing to earn the most Fame points after several rounds of play. Rock Hard: 1977 is played over a maximum of nine rounds, each representing a typical day of a month in 1977, from April to December. The game is won by accumulating the highest Fame, which you gain by improving your reputation, skills, and song quality, securing production, performance, and publicity bonuses, landing record deals and royalties, playing concerts, and hanging out in the trendiest nightclubs.

Each player will have a unique manager to help boost their musical career with a special ability. However, you’ll need to pay them to avoid losing Fame points. Sometimes, even rockstars need a little help to get through tough days, which is why players can consume candy to maximize their time and actions. But beware – overindulging in sweets can lead to a sugar rush, leaving you exhausted for the next round.

With a dream production, the game’s visual design shines through. For example, each player’s personal board is designed like an amplifier, with its knobs acting as markers that change throughout the game. Turn order tokens are guitar picks, and the bills look like real dollars. Beyond its unique theme, Rock Hard: 1977 offers an incredible mechanical design. Players will feel constant progression, from humble beginnings balancing a day job and the band's early stages, to big concerts on iconic stages. Featuring a wide variety of event cards and unique abilities for rockstars and managers that change each game, this is a truly immersive experience. Ready to become a rockstar?