Image taken from https://boardgamegeek.com/image/8609423/fateflip-by-royal-decree

Designer: Johannes Krenner
Publishers: Alley Cat Games, Red Cat Games
Artists: Many

I’m going to make this short, sweet (well, really more like sour), and to the point. If you want to know more about how the game works, check out my other review (or anyone else’s) for the first box that was released, FateFlip: Washed Ashore.

So, how does this one compare? I say this begrudgingly, but this one is terrible. I honestly hate saying that, but almost everything about it is a downgrade from Washed Ashore.

The one thing I do enjoy about this one is that there is a type of end game objectives system that is kinda neat, but even the objectives themselves aren’t great. Some of them are difficult to achieve unless you get a very specific order of cards and make very particular decisions.

Here is my list of dislikes mostly in comparison to Washed Ashore:

1) The theme is less interesting, creates minimal tension, and there’s less thematic integration. Because of this, the choices feel significantly less important and interesting.

2) The story is much weaker here. Rather than trying to survive on a deserted island, you go through the stages of becoming royalty. It’s just not exciting. This could definitely be a personal preference, though.

3) Some of the events and decisions are honestly ridiculous. It feels much more forced than the other, like they were trying to come up with things to happen to make enough content. I’m not saying everything in Washed Ashore was realistic, but more of my choices (in this one) were made based on symbols gained/lost versus actually caring about and advancing the story.

I usually try to write mostly positive reviews, but this one is so disappointing. I really enjoyed Washed Ashore but this one does not do it for me. What’s worse: the box I received is missing one item card, so I can’t even sell it. And I looked into ordering a new card, but I’d have to pay taxes/import fees which doesn’t seem worth it at all. Sigh