Earlier this month I got a message & email about reviewing some mystery dice grab bags from Mystery Dice Goblins. In general I'll review just about anything if asked (If asked it the important part as I have had stuff sent to me out of the blue), but I'm a bit of a dice snob and the idea of potentially collectible sets of random dice that I probably wouldn't personally use doesn't really excite me. Knowing I already have a bias I didn't do ANY looking up on this company, but I did know they were based in the UK. The dice arrived far more quickly than expected (they were not overnighted or anything) and I got three sets. I'm keeping two sets back to give out to readers here and I took one set with me on a business trip, but I of course took my regular travel dice set because I assumed these dice wouldn't get the job done. I mean, come on, a bunch of random dice in a bag?
Well, you know what they say about assumptions.....
I had this preconceived notion that these dice bags were just a scoop or something of random dice. I was kind of surprised to find the bag was actually a complete set of dice and the randomness was about the coloration. I mean, that makes a lot more sense, but there isn't any indication of this on the packaging and even a cursory examination of the website doesn't clear this up (from the FAQ):
Why Mystery Dice?Mystery dice bags and standard dice sets each have their own appeal, and the choice between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Here are some reasons why someone might choose to buy mystery dice bags over standard dice sets:
- Surprise and Variety: Mystery dice bags are all about the element of surprise. You don't know exactly what you'll get, which can add excitement to your purchase. If you enjoy collecting dice and appreciate a variety of styles and colors, mystery bags can be a fun way to expand your collection.
- Unique Designs: Mystery dice bags often contain dice with unique and uncommon designs that you might not find in standard sets. If you want dice that stand out and make your tabletop gaming experience more visually appealing, mystery bags can offer a diverse range of options.
- Collectibility: Some people enjoy collecting dice as a hobby, and mystery bags can be a way to discover rare or limited-edition dice that can become valuable additions to your collection over time.
- Cost-Effective: In some cases, mystery dice bags can offer a better value for your money compared to buying individual dice sets. You may get a variety of dice for a lower price per die.
- Gift-Giving: Mystery dice bags can make for interesting and unexpected gifts for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. The surprise factor can make the gift-giving experience more enjoyable.
I did find though, on the page for the actual mystery dice they do note that it's a complete set of dice you're getting and they've updated the packaging to indicate this as well. I was just sent some older packaging. The likelihood of you buying one of these bags and not knowing this is low, but i didn't actually buy a bag (yet).
I know a LOT of people who buy dice sets like they're freaking going out of style and I think a good number of them would just love this mystery dice grab bag. I'm kind of torn because well before my Gamescience days I was big into grabbing a set or two of dice that were just for one PC. That PC dies, and I need to roll another, then I'd find some new dice. Not right away, but maybe once I hit level two. I usually want two dice sets to make it easier too roll 2d4 or some such.
On the flip side, I do like the mystery of it all and it scratches a bit of a nostalgia itch reminding me of my trading card collecting days. Did I ever waste so much time & money on those things, and I didn't do squat with those cards. At least with dice I can use them in a game.
Can being the operative word. I do have my dice bias and if you poke around this site a bit you'll probably figure out I have some superstitions and whatnot when it comes to my dice. You want to borrow my dice? Yeah, that's not going to happen! In the past I've picked up loaner dice just for that purpose and those dice are not allowed to mingle with my dice, at least not the dice that I have currently sanctioned for tabletop play.
Thing is dice can be expensive and going to the store to pick out dice I'm not personally going to use is a bit much. Last time I did that those pink dice (meant to be an embarrassment) actually rolled well and the player asked to keep them!
I liked the set that I managed to get in the one mystery bag I opened. They were pretty colorful and if I had been gifted this set (well, I kind of was) I would not be disappointed. I'm not sure I think they're worth $9 a set plus shipping, but multiple sets have a discount and picking up 6 sets at something like $5.16 per set....that's a different story. I'd spend the $ to have sealed sets of dice for guests to use if needed. I could conceivably keep them with my other dice and not risk contamination. That's defiantly worth $5.16 a set to me.
Since these aren't dice I'd use myself, I'm going to fixate on cost, but I really don't think the Mystery Dice Goblins are doing this for guys like me, but for my dice hoarding compatriots. The Goblins have a subscription service that I suspect would be like crack to some of my dice-hoarding friends. A monthly subscription of mystery dice bags that get some bonuses added in? Oh yeah, I can envision that being real popular with my friends. They also have some related Mystery Box Scoops that come with at least a full set of dice as well, that is beyond my ability to comprehend.
Long story short, you don't know what you're going to get when you buy a Mystery Dice Bag from the
Mystery Dice Goblins, pretty much self-explanatory in the freaking name! They're dice, kind of a commodity thing, but you don't have to spend time figuring out what color to get. If you like getting new dice all the time or enjoy the mystery aspect of it all, then I say go for it, but don't do half measures. Either buy a lot and make the bulk discount work for you
or go with a monthly subscription and get that metered dice fix.
Note: I'm going to be picking up some more of these dice bags so I have loaner dice on hand and when they arrive I'll be doing a contest/giveaway (purchased dice + the two freebies) since I hadn't done one in some time. I'm thinking early December, so keep an eye out for that.
2023.10.28 Edit: I just got back in from a visit to a FLGS and I ended up taking a long, hard look at the dice on hand, of which there was a metric buttload. I was a bit shocked at the prices as most all the dice sets were a good 30% higher priced than what I remember. This store also had some small grab-bags of mystery dice, but they were mini-sized. There was also some "official" D&D mystery bags that had a set of dice, a pin, and a cheapo dice bag. Aside from a cute marketing gimmick I wouldn't have given it a second glance ($25, really?!).
I tried to do this review in a bit of a bubble and not compare them to other dice, but at the game store it was hard to not compare and unless I really wanted a specific color, or I was willing to pick up one of those "pound of dice" bags, these Mystery Dice Packs from the review were superior. I went ahead and pushed it up to 5 stars, which is not really a thing I would normally do, but I felt it was warranted. I also went ahead and placed an order for two 6 mystery bag sets so I have some gift, giveaway, and loaner dice on hand. The shipping was free for an order over $40, so I know I'm getting a good deal.
