10:20 I actually played this game quite a bit solo! There are some good solo variants on BGG. In short, you play the game the same way but when you’re placing cards to be drafted you place cards, you placed a card that is lower than the last played. it works well to emulate you having more choices for cards with lower cards being played.
I'm a bit skeptical on the solo mode. This game is so dependent on the cards that come out. We typically have one game where everyone is in the 80's and the next no one can break even 50. Thus playing against a set score would feel very defeatist to me, and you would often know you had lost before even half the game is over. Conversely, how intricate would an Automa have to be to effectively compete against you. But what do I know? I don't play games solo. Maybe there is a great solo mode for this.
This game was huge surprise for me - despite being highly recommended by a number of people I met at Essen, and none other than Zee Garcia. So I tried it. So many of these little card games that I try, I find them nice, or even clever, but move on and never think of them again. Bit after one play I had to have this one. That one twist of scoring backwards is just enough to keep me engaged for the whole game, having to constantly remind myself of how everything will score. At this point I think it is only second to Ark Nova for most plays this year.
Closest comparison for me would be Let's Go! To Japan. It has the same accumulation of symbols across your tableau into scoring objectives, but with more flexible placement. I learned Faraway only a few weeks after LGTJ, so it seemed like a faster, tighter version of it.
The game reminds me of 'Let's Go! To Japan' except its significantly more streamlined. They both have goals cards to satisfy with resources and a similar way of scoring by simply going through the "trip" you planned out. I actually really like both. If you want something compact, Farawary is the way to go. If you want nice pieces to touch and interact and better theme, get Let's Go! To Japan instead.
5/5! I have enjoyed this game and also find it very addictive. But I have been struggling whether to get the physical copy (I played on bga) as I wonder if this game is so unique that I would keep on shelf… and well it’s 5/5 from you may be I should reconsider…
10:20 I actually played this game quite a bit solo! There are some good solo variants on BGG. In short, you play the game the same way but when you’re placing cards to be drafted you place cards, you placed a card that is lower than the last played. it works well to emulate you having more choices for cards with lower cards being played.
Totally agree with the 'no solo mode' remark... I expect a solo mode for puzzle games like this. Sad they didn't add it
I'm a bit skeptical on the solo mode. This game is so dependent on the cards that come out. We typically have one game where everyone is in the 80's and the next no one can break even 50. Thus playing against a set score would feel very defeatist to me, and you would often know you had lost before even half the game is over. Conversely, how intricate would an Automa have to be to effectively compete against you.
But what do I know? I don't play games solo. Maybe there is a great solo mode for this.
Waiting for my copy
Perfect timing i got a message today saying that it is back in stock in my board game shop!
It's totally worth it 🙂
This game was huge surprise for me - despite being highly recommended by a number of people I met at Essen, and none other than Zee Garcia. So I tried it. So many of these little card games that I try, I find them nice, or even clever, but move on and never think of them again. Bit after one play I had to have this one. That one twist of scoring backwards is just enough to keep me engaged for the whole game, having to constantly remind myself of how everything will score. At this point I think it is only second to Ark Nova for most plays this year.
If this is the one twist, what is when you realise you can keep the cards open and just start scoring "Forward" with the first card?
Closest comparison for me would be Let's Go! To Japan. It has the same accumulation of symbols across your tableau into scoring objectives, but with more flexible placement. I learned Faraway only a few weeks after LGTJ, so it seemed like a faster, tighter version of it.
The game reminds me of 'Let's Go! To Japan' except its significantly more streamlined. They both have goals cards to satisfy with resources and a similar way of scoring by simply going through the "trip" you planned out. I actually really like both. If you want something compact, Farawary is the way to go. If you want nice pieces to touch and interact and better theme, get Let's Go! To Japan instead.
I was wondering when this review is going to come out after all those BGA plays lol
5/5!
I have enjoyed this game and also find it very addictive. But I have been struggling whether to get the physical copy (I played on bga) as I wonder if this game is so unique that I would keep on shelf… and well it’s 5/5 from you may be I should reconsider…
Frosthaven campaign 😢
I really enjoy the game and a solo mode would be great. My biggest dislike is the square cards.
For me it replaced Fantasy Realms as my favourite midweight filler game.
That checks out, it's pretty awesome