Image taken from https://boardgamegeek.com/image/8080130/fateflip-washed-ashore

Designer: Johannes Krenner
Publishers: Red Cat Games, Alley Cat Games
Artists: Anastasia Durova, Alena Naumova

Typically, I’m not a huge fan of narrative style games, but I was pleasantly surprised by FateFlip: Washed Ashore. While each story/game did take me quite a while (longer than the printed advertised length), they all create new experiences that are fun, diverse, and exciting. With simple rules, minimal required space, and a small travel box size, this one is a great addition to any solo game collection, whether you typically enjoy this style of game or not!

There are very few rules to this game, as the majority of the story develops with the cards in the deck and the decisions of the player. The game is separated into three chapters. At the start of each game, the item cards are set aside and then chapter one begins. The set-up card for each chapter explains what needs to be done, and then the player can immediately begin playing. Most generally, this is a resource management type game with the story being the forefront of the adventure.

Each card provides part of a narrative as well as options to be selected. Some choices require a decrease or increase of something on the “resource” counter tracker. All choices indicate what happens with the card after that decision is made, meaning some flip along the short edge, some the long edge, some go to the back of the pile in the player’s hand, some stay on top, others get discarded, some can add certain types of cards to a player’s hand, and there are even cards that discard the entire deck of cards in a player’s hand.

There are countless ways to advance to the next chapter, but each card will indicate what happens next and when it occurs. It is honestly very clever and engaging. Chapter one always begins with the same four cards shuffled, but even with only the randomization of those initial cards, there are a lot of different strategies to try and stories to unfold. The box states there are thirteen endings to discover, and there seem to be countless ways to reach each ending.

After a few games of only making it to chapter two, I decided to play one more, keep track of the items I gain, and then start at chapter two next game to cut down on the time some. Ironically, even after a few games, I managed to play chapter one completely differently than any previous game. There truly are endless possibilities, stories, and fun to discover.

Despite the fact I usually try to feel I played a game enough to review it, I’m assuredly not even close with this one. I’ve played enough to get the overall gist and form an opinion for the game, how it works, what makes it unique and special, etc. but I’ve only made it to chapter three a few times. I have much more to explore and I’m really looking forward to it!

P.S. The art on the cards is wonderful!!