Fractal: Beyond The Void - First Impressions Of An Accessible 4X Space Opera

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  • Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024

Комментарии • 92

  • @kumanight
    @kumanight 2 года назад +11

    This is going to be my first 4X game and I'm super excited for it! They just announced metal tokens and a free big box 👀

    • @namewithheld8115
      @namewithheld8115 2 года назад +1

      You should visit Australia. XXXX is a brand of beer in Queensland, so we've had great 4X games for decades!

  • @TheRealAlexBowser
    @TheRealAlexBowser 2 года назад +6

    If you don't like the iconography in Fractal 4X, you might have a heart attack when you see Voidfall...

  • @spectralboardgamer
    @spectralboardgamer 2 года назад +11

    It cannot be stressed enough that this is/was a prototype. The copies sent out to reviewers are an earlier version, rules and also player boards have already been changed in the meantime. Development and balancing fine-tuning is also still going on.
    As to your problem with expansion that is then 'broken up' by other players attacking: this is primarily what the bigger maps are for: there you have a 'backyard' that you can settle easier and more securely - no need to encroach on other players' territory early.
    I think Fractal - especially with the additional modules and factions in the campaign - will be a worthy addition to other 4x games in my collection.
    Also the solo mode seems to be well thought out and simulates a 'real' opponent/other faction(s) instead of just being the game playing against you (a la Spirit Island).

  • @Faent89
    @Faent89 2 года назад +3

    Awesome video. This was just a small appetizer. I can't wait until you get a few more play throughs, like you mentioned. This game has so many extra modules and ways to add replayability and variability its hard not to like it! The combat seemed slow at first, but the tech combos are insane! Plus really like the idea of a 4x that can be played in just a few hours versus the exhaustion of spending a whole day at the table with games like TI4 (as much as I like it).

  • @buckcherry2564
    @buckcherry2564 2 месяца назад

    We enjoy the combat because it makes it feel like you are making decisions and weighing risk. It isnt just rolling dice. We had similar concerns with it feeling thin, until we unlocked MORE tactics cards.
    The biggest positive I can point out for this game is that you can make it more complex than TI4 with all the add-ons, or you can make it VERY simple. You can also alter the focus pretty sharply. If you dont use advanced combat add-ons but put in every exploration add-on, you get a more adventure and discovery feel with combat on the side. You can make it very political and diplomatic, backed with a brutal combat system and play a game of little action but constant shifting pressures and threats.
    If you are a person that wants to try a 4X but dont like combat, or actually want a very basic space-Risk game with minimal side projects, or want to do TI4, but prefer deeper political and covert shenanigans, you can do all that in Fractal. It is really neat. It should be noted, it actually leaves a lot of room for expanding the systems that do exist. I could see far more intricate unit stuff, or a much richer political system be implemented and it would just click into place. The modular focus of the system is something my particular group hasnt broken yet, it always seems to just work.

  • @miniaturespalace1061
    @miniaturespalace1061 2 года назад +9

    I was on the fence for backing this but now I'm hesitating more after watching your video. 150$ is a lot to spend on a game that didn't have a glowing review. Will keep an eye on any future content before I fully make a decision, thanks for the video and for your honesty!

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад +2

      Yep, completely agreed. I still want to play it more...it was an overall good experience and I think it gets better with subsequent plays, but I'm not yet confident where it ends up for me.

    • @Faent89
      @Faent89 2 года назад +4

      The shipping market is so ridiculous right now so I don't blame you. I ended up backing Fractal all-in after King of Average's review. He got some nice plays in and I was jealous of his epic game changing move. I like games that have the ability to make awesome memories like that. Like the final unrevealed vulnerability card being the one with the infection in Who Goes There!

    • @misterbxiv
      @misterbxiv 2 года назад +6

      The other reviews for Fractal are ‘glowing’. Watch king of average’s review.

    • @TheShapingSickness
      @TheShapingSickness 2 года назад +3

      You can get the base game for cheaper.

    • @denisloebner4882
      @denisloebner4882 2 года назад +1

      i think reviews were pretty positive so far. also this one isnt a review yet as alex mentioned.

  • @Sebastian-rt9qf
    @Sebastian-rt9qf 2 года назад +2

    Talking about iconography, I just had a first try with Voidfall at Spiel and boy oh boy, Fractal seems like a zen-looking game compared to all the icons in Voidfall. Sometimes like 12 placed on a euro mini card. On the other hand, it's part of the style of game, 4X is.
    Have to admit that reducing the amount of icons to it's minimum necessity would be admirable. Together with a complete sheet (1-sided) that will give you all the knowledge you need during gameplay. We'll just wait and have to see.

  • @Renegade_KT
    @Renegade_KT 2 года назад +1

    Hey Alex. I was surprised to hear that you found the iconography to be the biggest issue of the game. For me, it was how the rules are spread left and right in the rulebook and how so many things can be interpreted. It is true that the iconography needs some work tho. Especialy like the civil tech vs military tech icons or reusing the same icon from credits, production and productive sector. The good part is that BoardGameInk has been very responsive which is always very nice to have when you are a backer. So every time I think something can be improve, I just send them feedback about those things. I'm confident that they'll put the extra hours to streamlined the rules so it's easier to just setup and play.
    As for the combat, I love the tactics cards and the feeling to try to outplay your opponent. The sequencing of the cards you'll be playing will matter. The techs you get to improve your military can really matter too.
    Also, I can't wait to see what the campaign has in store for us.
    Thanks for the review!

  • @apokai
    @apokai 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for the video! The art is simply amazing! But was not sure this game was what I wanted. Luckily, I found out their previous KS "X-Odus - Rise of the Corruption" which is EXACTLY what I was looking for, a space dungeon-crawler lol!

  • @nighthunterz00z45
    @nighthunterz00z45 2 года назад +13

    I wish the company the best and I hope their campaign succeeds. I think their art work is awesome and the gameplay draws me in. But I just can’t agree with their pricing. It’s so expensive for not including the campaign or the automa module. Board game companies are starting to out-price their own gamers. Most of us can only afford to back a couple campaigns a year at around $60 to $100 range. It’s a bit disheartening.

    • @yamahkogribbis6212
      @yamahkogribbis6212 2 года назад +3

      I agree somewhat, but I think costs of all goods are on a severe upswing due to global transportation issues, the ever widening wealth gap, and the pandemic in general. I can't blame the company for reacting to market forces.

    • @ironpalmmonk1199
      @ironpalmmonk1199 2 года назад +2

      Yeah, definitely the reason why I passed. Once I saw the games were partitioned, I checked out. Seems fun and hopefully I get a chance to play it one day but the backing model put me off.

    • @nighthunterz00z45
      @nighthunterz00z45 2 года назад +1

      @@yamahkogribbis6212 Agreed on the rise of costs and shortages. That’s definitely a factor and sadly may continue to be. It just means that us “normal” income gamers/hobbyists purchase less games and watch as the games we truly want get too expensive to even consider.

    • @nighthunterz00z45
      @nighthunterz00z45 2 года назад +3

      @@ironpalmmonk1199 Yeah…I felt put off that the title of the Game as advertised included the campaign, but the $92 base price does not include the campaign. I wouldn’t have a problem with this if the base game was $60 or $70 and the campaign addition would make it $100. But it’s close to $140 and that still doesn’t include the automa module. 🤨

    • @CheddahSlammer
      @CheddahSlammer 2 года назад +4

      Just don't get why the Automa has to be included in the Base Game. I think everyone is assuming it will cost the same price as the base with the Automa included, when that's not the case because you need boards for all the factions for the Automa to play them, more tokens, and cards ect..... It would just make the base game more expensive, because of the added space its required in the same box, for something not everyone is going to get. Look at Voidfall no minis, solo included in base game box and its 87$, which is just 5$ less then the 92$ base game box of Fractal with Minis. Solo is really increasing prices when its really just an afterthought to add to many games and I feel like they should be separated for us that don't need solo, that's why I liked what they did here.

  • @realarete9544
    @realarete9544 2 года назад +4

    Keep playing, Ive enjoyed this more as Ive played ... however some of your negs aren't so neg in my book! Will look forward to your play video as always buddy!

  • @oerthling
    @oerthling 2 года назад +4

    "The problem with 4X games is [... expanding vs running into combative competition ...]" - err - that describes one of the good things about 4X games. The tension between expanding fast and being able to defend your claims is at the core of 4X games and spans all the Xs.

    • @patriziopastore9895
      @patriziopastore9895 2 года назад +2

      Agree with you… I kind of don’t like a game that never put you at risk what you build, it should have some “engage” mechanics that in case can block your opponent to achieve a target

    • @oerthling
      @oerthling 2 года назад +4

      @@patriziopastore9895 I think Alex is just a fan of building up his tableau and doesn't like getting his shining engine be scratched. ;-)
      That fits with his rating of Terraforming Mars and his general problem with 4X games - which are all about shooting each other's "engines".
      Though I agree with his critique of the graphics design of Fractal.

    • @oerthling
      @oerthling 2 года назад +2

      @@patriziopastore9895 A 4X game without some serious extermination is a 3X game. ;-)

    • @patriziopastore9895
      @patriziopastore9895 2 года назад +1

      @@oerthling ahahah true!!!

    • @oerthling
      @oerthling 2 года назад

      @@JJ_TheGreat It can be argued. But the EXplore X in a wider sense does not necessarily require exploring the completely unknown. A known system with unknown content/encounter can be considered exploration.
      Especially as that is actually more realistic. A spacefaring civilization would know about all Stars in reach and even know about the existence of planets (we know about stars and even some big planets around them today).

  • @AdamJorgensen
    @AdamJorgensen 2 года назад +7

    I'll keep my pledge. This is going to be a KS exclusive and I feel like between this and Voidfall I'll have the 4x slot in my collection nicely sewn up.

    • @shanerion
      @shanerion 2 года назад

      You’re backing both? Trust me… you don’t need Space Euro with a 4x theme *that* sewn up.

    • @AdamJorgensen
      @AdamJorgensen 2 года назад +2

      @@shanerion Trust me, I do!

  • @denizkandemir9744
    @denizkandemir9744 2 года назад +1

    Already getting two 4X this year “Clash of culture monumental” and “Brazil Imperial” and owning already a few 4X games iam thinking to shrinking my collection but the “shorter” 4X sounds good.

    • @kyssy7744
      @kyssy7744 2 года назад +1

      I just got my copy of Clash of Cultures. After playing it, I don’t think I need to spend another $160+ on Kickstarter for Fractal. Clash does all four X’s so incredibly well, whereas Fractal looks more skirmish focused. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite games.

  • @bradleak1465
    @bradleak1465 2 года назад +8

    I hope as you play it the rating goes to a 4 👍 fingers crossed

  • @williamblack6912
    @williamblack6912 2 года назад +4

    I may be picky here but I would like diffrent sculpts for the minies of each faction. It's the same with the standees for beast instead of meeples. It would take good assets to great.

    • @miniaturespalace1061
      @miniaturespalace1061 2 года назад +1

      Agreed, having a sculp that looks completely different from the amazing art is almost anti-thematic

    • @aliciahoflack138
      @aliciahoflack138 2 года назад

      I think that they went with different collors because then they didn’t have to load the box with x amount of minis per faction, now you can just play the collors you like, i get the point but also see why they did it like this.

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад

      Totally hear. Not an issue for me but obviously more sculpts is always good.

    • @Groovestonenz
      @Groovestonenz 2 года назад +1

      Yeah, would be nice but sooo expensive, and postage ain't cheap. I'm hoping they release some designs though, so that we can download and print them ourselves though.

    • @aliciahoflack138
      @aliciahoflack138 2 года назад

      i mean if i ever find the time i might be able to make some custom minis and throw them on the internet to use

  • @joshuamorrow1295
    @joshuamorrow1295 2 года назад +2

    This comment section has become my go-to for making a decision on whether or not to back Fractal. The comment section and updates over on the KS campaign provide less value than Alex's community once again! :)

  • @Obvious_Llama
    @Obvious_Llama 2 года назад +3

    I had originally backed this one and was willing to pay the high price since this was a small publisher, but then gameplay videos came out a few days after the campaign launched and I lost interest. I actually think this would be a fantastic game if they worked with a larger publisher to develop the gameplay and iconography a bit. They nailed the theme and artwork though!

    • @HungryGamerReviews
      @HungryGamerReviews 2 года назад +4

      The publishers have already spoken about making the iconography clearer .
      These are things that are already in the works

  • @dannyverbraeken3829
    @dannyverbraeken3829 2 года назад +1

    I'm not convinced on the solo play in Fractal, so I decided to go for Voidfall. Didn't find any (solo) playthroughs of Fractal (so far).

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад

      Makes sense, solo will for sure be solid in Voidfall.

    • @Groovestonenz
      @Groovestonenz 2 года назад +2

      From what I've seen of some playthroughs of Voidfall, you can practically have a solo game while playing against others. One person I saw described it as "solitaire in space" lol

    • @Faent89
      @Faent89 2 года назад

      They just got one!
      ruclips.net/video/FFaUmAfFn6k/видео.html

  • @AaronRudin
    @AaronRudin 2 года назад +3

    Is your Marvel Dice Throne video coming today?

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад +2

      No sadly it's on hold for now, all videos are embargoed until closer to the campaign.

    • @AaronRudin
      @AaronRudin 2 года назад

      @@BoardGameCo Okay, thanks for the reply!

  • @MS-pw8yu
    @MS-pw8yu 2 года назад +2

    I want to 4x space so bad. Eclipse 2DFTG seems my choice so far. Thanks for this vid!

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад

      Anytime :)

    • @Groovestonenz
      @Groovestonenz 2 года назад +1

      I'm all in on this, and eagerly awaiting my copy of Eclipse 2nd Dawn too.

  • @successfulgeek
    @successfulgeek 2 года назад +2

    I think working in software and knowing how important UX is, the iconography really made it hard for me to enjoy Fractal.

    • @Groovestonenz
      @Groovestonenz 2 года назад +1

      I understand that this is being upgraded and made better.

    • @Faent89
      @Faent89 2 года назад

      @@Groovestonenz Yes! Tons of graphic design upgrades are coming our way!

  • @sidneyleejohnson
    @sidneyleejohnson 2 года назад +1

    Perhaps comparing the game to SP's Hyperspace 4x campaign might be reasonable in addition to Voidfall. I feel like some of my posts just vanish. Does youtube retract posts with external links like to a KS campaign? It might also be interesting if you can ascertain whether SP will actually deliver on his Hyperspace campaign as a lot of the backers are wondering if the game will see the light of day.

  • @steveowen7508
    @steveowen7508 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the helpful video!

  • @firechickenreviews
    @firechickenreviews 2 года назад +1

    Interesting the iconography was challenging to understand for yourself? I found this was the issue for Voidfall (my second biggest issue, first being the style of combat in Voidfall) but thats to say I found the iconography in Fractal was very easy to understand. I think I had to look up maybe one thing and that was it really. For reference I played on TTS so maybe slightly better (and updated from the prototype you have...which I notice is missing the minis so perhaps an older/cheaper one than other reviewers got?.
    Side note as you talk about taking risk for expanding out maybe beyond your reach, since you played on the smaller map those are meant to be more interactive with players by the nature everyone is closer together. Likely would have been good to have a game play on the bigger one to see how that changes if at all your view.
    - My bias was after playing both Voidfall and Fractal and wanting to get a 4X to my collection both are great but Fractal will be easier to teach, get to the table and I think is a bit of a sleeper with the added campaign adding much variety....which really important those who are getting Fractal I consider it a almost must buy regardless as it adds more of everything you can use without choosing to do the campaign if you want and more game modes.

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад

      Totally makes sense, I'm still very interested in the game, and want to get more plays in, at the same time I'm not yet sold that this will be a game That really sells me on 4x

    • @firechickenreviews
      @firechickenreviews 2 года назад

      I feel that,
      That's me and Train games, its one of the few types of games I am not sure of...I know not a real category per say...but if it has a train focus...I haven't been sold on it.

  • @aliciahoflack138
    @aliciahoflack138 2 года назад +1

    That 4x problem sounds like playing tall vs wide in general in a 4x.

  • @franck777
    @franck777 2 года назад +1

    Great review. I am still hesitating because of the value.

  • @robertpapancsev8891
    @robertpapancsev8891 2 года назад +1

    I dont have problem with the icons, have you seen Voidfall? I like nearly everything, just the price is too high with a half compatible solo mode. I love they made a solo expansion, but the price is way too high compared that is not working with the campaign which is a big selling point to the game.
    Also I wish every species would have a unique "mothership" next to the general ones like in Hyperspace, that would be super!

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад +1

      Lol yes, I'm just as worried about voidfall icons :)

    • @robertpapancsev8891
      @robertpapancsev8891 2 года назад +1

      @@BoardGameCo Good new is that they are re-working them right now (for Fractal).

  • @EfrainRiveraJunior
    @EfrainRiveraJunior 2 года назад +2

    I've yet to play a space-based game.

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад

      At all? Ever?

    • @EfrainRiveraJunior
      @EfrainRiveraJunior 2 года назад

      @@BoardGameCo - Space-themed, yes. Space-based... nope, never. Not counting video games, of course.

    • @Faent89
      @Faent89 2 года назад +1

      Fractal will be a great introduction for you!

  • @aliciahoflack138
    @aliciahoflack138 2 года назад +4

    Is there going to be a playthrough?

    • @arturthekingg
      @arturthekingg 2 года назад

      +1 for this!

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад +5

      Partial playthrough coming soon. Half the game, sadly we had to film in a time slot where we only had 90 min and we got cut short. So half the game.

  • @patriziopastore9895
    @patriziopastore9895 2 года назад +1

    Mmm a play and an half? If is 30 min did you play 15? Kidding I’m backing this game because is giving the x4 experience without need to play 4-5 hour.
    On top of that I can say that the tension to have someone that can kick your “ass” is a pro… otherwise you are just building something without a real interaction

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад +1

      30 minutes per player :-) The half play was a little over an hour

    • @Faent89
      @Faent89 2 года назад

      I read a review on Voidfall that talked about how the reviewer won by over 100 points above everyone else just by turtling and staying in one corner of the map...so just thinking of that and the bland deterministic combat? Yeah, I'm definitely sticking with Fractal lol

    • @patriziopastore9895
      @patriziopastore9895 2 года назад

      @@Faent89 lol a camper style in boardgame İ was thinking there were only in videogames... İ back both btw

  • @viziozio9490
    @viziozio9490 2 года назад

    I've backed Last light, but seeing that this is available is making me have second thoughts...how would you compare the two?
    Thanks a lot for the amazing content!

  • @HedgehogBC
    @HedgehogBC 2 года назад +1

    After all this, will you back it?

    • @Faent89
      @Faent89 2 года назад +1

      Backing this game 100%
      In all fairness, this was stated as not being a review, just a first impression. I like Alex's videos A LOT for their amazing accuracy and honesty. There is definitely a lot more to this game with the additional modules, solo Automata and Campaign. The iconography can definitely use some work but the rulebook is still a work in progress and the game designers have been very present and vocal in the forums and KS comments. They have been very receptive in taking to heart the backers feedback and have been updating the KS page, rulebook and even components accordingly! Pretty impressive.

    • @HedgehogBC
      @HedgehogBC 2 года назад

      @@Faent89 Well, I was asking based on his first impressions.
      My first impressions based on the TTS mod with the automata were similar to Alex's. I'm pretty sure there's an amazing game in there, but I can't get past the iconography, and the randomness of the obstacles and artifacts. I love that it is a small studio, but that cuts both ways. It's a very expensive game, and they have no track record to fall back on to trust that they will fix the problems that I am seeing.
      So I was wondering if Alex thought it was something he would be backing.

  • @Drakkkan
    @Drakkkan 2 года назад +1

    I don't envy your situation because obviously even if you make impression video with some concerns, some people can take it as: hey this game is bad.

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад

      Absolutely, although I don't think this game is bad at all...I think its solid. But yes, with concerns on iconography.

  • @matissmatiss3126
    @matissmatiss3126 2 года назад

    1. You did not tell that it is a prototype and everything is a subject to change ..
    2. 1,5 games under your belt ? You really did not like this game (prototype) ;D
    I felt that this first impressions might be a bit misleading for those that wants to back this game, who love 4x games, etc. Should have at least 3 games under your belt, at least I believe, but you said that as well.
    It felt like You, sir, are not a fan of 4x genre, which you said yourself, so you came in like a wrecking ball :D.

    • @BoardGameCo
      @BoardGameCo  2 года назад

      The 1.5 is an issue of time, not a concern about liking the game. Overall I was pretty positive about it in fact, my main complaint is the accessibility and the icons.