Final Girl Review - Oh Oh Oh Oh, Staying Alive, Staying Alive....Except Usually Not

[@deadfalltropics6422]

Yah. I'd give this a 10/10 if you don't care about winning and a 7 if you do. I drove a golf cart into Gepetto and won, that's a special experience.

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol, love your last sentence :)

[@bgm-1961]

As far as the "cascading failure" effect... It's certainly there. But the amount of mitigation available to the player to prevent a cascade from starting is - IMHO - greater than he mentioned. For instance, the more powerful cards (that you buy from the market) have a more punishing effect for failing their Horror Roll. These failures are often the start of the aforementioned cascading failure effect. So to prevent that, you make sure that you don't play one of those cards until you're able to mitigate a bad roll! You do so for starters by having enough cheap, unneeded cards in your hand to discard so to turn partial successes into full successes. Or you always try to have one of the cards that lets you roll one or all of your action dice. Or for really important rolls, a card which (if you're successful with it) will let you roll additional dice.

[@boxfarts3847]

This is my game of the year. I love the story that it tells each time I play, it's so immersive. I can see why other may not like the die rolling but you learn to have a back up plan in the form of cards to manipulate the die. Good review Alex even though I am much higher on this than you.

[@BoardGameCo]

Oh I definitely enjoy it, just with caveats.

[@un-ku_son]

This is one of my games of the year too. Extra points for the theme though as a long time horror fan.

[@do_hickey]

Your username is... excellent.

[@bgm-1961]

Two minor corrections for the readers who may not own a copy: - Not all the killers and locations come with a different set of rules. The killer "Hans" (think Jason from Friday the 13th), and the location "Camp Happy Trails" use only the core rules. - There ARE some killers and locations that do come with their own action cards which are added to the market during setup.

[@jamesmorgan1967]

Do you happen to know offhand which killers/locations come with their own action cards?

[@bgm-1961]

@@jamesmorgan1967 Not all of them off the top of my head. I recently played at the location "Maple Lane", which added its own Action Cards to the market. I know there are one of two other locations and/or Killers which also come with their own Action Cards, but I can't tell you what they are off the top of my head.

[@Rathammergames]

You can mix and match so much stuff, and it all works flawlessly. Genius.

[@TableTopWolf1984]

As a solo only bloke I'm super excited for this as I love the theme, won't go all in, just gonna pick and choose the boxes which most appeal to me as it will keep the price down and I'll get more plays and value out of it

[@BadAndy3]

Final Girl is a incredible game and definitely one of my favorite games of last year. It can be punishing but that is how I want my solo games to be because it becomes so much more rewarding when you actually win. This game has some of the best thematic and mechanic integration I've seen in a board game. Can't say enough good things about Final Girl.

[@TheMartinChronicles]

I'm tempted by the theme alone. And as it appears less punishing than Robinson Crusoe and less involved than Mage Knight I just may take the plunge.

[@brandonjohnson2146]

I appreciate the review. My wife and I are all in with the more story than game aspect so this one looks to be for us. Even though there's no co-op mechanics we love playing games like this together and creating a memorable story whether it's an epic victory or whether things go so terribly wrong it's comical.

[@roseability86]

I'm glad to see this. So tempted but I would wanna play with my husband and I both making the decisions rather than solo. Good to know others had the same thought too :)

[@smallboxgames557]

@@roseability86 This is how we play, too, so you're definitely not alone. :)

[@trunghoang-jummyegg]

i have been binging your reviews the past few days. They are fantastic, please keep making these videos and upload them to bgg (i subscribed to you on bgg and will watch every reviews you put out)

[@BoardGameCo]

Thank you :-) I generally do 3 to 5 reviews a week, so they'll keep coming :-)

[@trunghoang-jummyegg]

@@BoardGameCo Fantastic! Please keep it up. I have also been making contents (not in English, though). So, I understand how much work going into one video. Hats off to you for doing it consistently for so long.

[@FortPlz]

I pledged all in and love this game. The artwork and theme is flat out amazing. And it remains interesting to play with the variety of events and way you can mix and match.

[@roodkaak771]

really love this game. one of my best kickstarters. great manual and love for the theme.

[@thomasb7237]

I appreciate expansions or reimplementations that add game mechanics that enriches the gameplay but also streamlines the clunkier/finicky parts of the original game. The latter is more difficult to do and happens less frequently. It’s easier to just add more to a game.

[@williamblack6912]

Can't wait for season two looks like great fun.

[@BoardGameCo]

Coming shortly :)

[@ScytheNoire]

Van Ryder makes games that they can tell a story in, and that focus shows in everything they have released. So I think it's more about experiencing a story you create while playing, rather than about winning.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, and in that sense they knocked it out of the park.

[@warpo007]

I always have troubles with the 'east of play' with games, always end up going south... Thanks for walking me through it, Alex. :)

[@BoardGameCo]

;)

[@ryangilmore3678]

Another great review. Lots of love for this game but I don’t think it’s for me. Hostage Negotiator didn’t grab me because you really need good rolls early, otherwise you just might want to start over. But praises to the design and packaging.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep on both counts :)

[@faerieknight2298]

You mention occasionally losing quickly, and that's no lie. I played a game facing Hans in the carnival. And I lost on the very first turn due to the initial setup, first event, and first terror card all comboing to kill all but 3 victims, then Hans marching over to one shot my final girl. On the other hand, I've had a few games where I won on turn 3.

[@commandershepard9920]

I disagree in regards to cascading failure. My win ratio is significantly higher than 50 % and the best victories are the ones where I barely manage to win (no cheating needed) due to a brutal setup and/or early game. That's where the game feels the most thematic. Mechanics are a 4/5; this is a game you can get "better" at. This is a game I've gone from consistently losing to consistently winning. Luck still plays a major role, as it should, but I feel like there might be a misconception out there that this game almost all luck. It's a very good, solid game. I'd give it a 4/5 overall, personally.

[@baroldalt312]

It's mostly luck. No escaping the die rolls and card draws.

[@TheDukeOfFall]

The randomness and unpredictable nature of this game pairs well with the theme. I understand how cascading failure could be frustrating but removing it would essentially make the goal of the game feel meaningless, making the theme feel just as pointless. Playing the role of a Final Girl and never feeling pressure or tension would be extremely boring and kind of confusing right? If you make a bad decision or if something goes wrong (in a horror film), things usually get worse! There have to be odds to overcome and hardships to work through! If you’re making a game about being the sole survivor/hero in a campy horror flick, bad things have to happen! It’s completely fair to say that this leans more toward the role of a simulator/experience than a typical board game. I think the goal was more about creating the story told during play than solving a puzzle and finding that inane success. It totally feels like you could play a game of Final Girl, then turn around and turn your experience into a blockbuster horror film! That being said I have felt the same (lite) frustration when playing the game. I feel like it comes from how intriguing the game system is apart from the theme. You could use a similar system of mechanics, reduce the dice rolling and the cascading failure, slap on an IP or a lighter theme, and it would be super awesome. This is my first dedicated solo game and I’ve loved it so far! I plan on getting all the feature films for season 1 and 2, along with all the cool extras! Playing games solo has really made me reevaluate what’s important to me while I play and has been super eye opening. It’s definitely made me reconsider what kind of games I might be willing to try in the future and how I judge those games individually. The review was spot on (especially about the action tableau cards!) I think this is a hard game to review because the game will speak differently to everybody, due to the nuance of gamer preferences and ideas. Great review, I love your content, keep up the great work! Top down cam is looking nice btw!!!

[@kumanight]

I had the chance to pick this up and ultimately passed on it because I don't see myself tabling it over my other solo faves like Marvel Champions, Mage Knight or Under Falling Skies. It sold out quickly after lol.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, that's where I am...I actually quite enjoy it...but compared to something like MC....that's tough.

[@FemmeSensei]

Really well thought-out review and thoughts on this game and thus very valuable, thank you!

[@BoardGameCo]

Thanks :)

[@boardgametime3727]

Thanks for the review, Alex! :D

[@BoardGameCo]

Anytime :)

[@pederswendsrud1359]

This is definitely a game that I am grabbing on this second Kickstarter. I can see what you mean about the randomness, but I think the theme is what draws me in, and the more random nature to go along with the theme, that works for me. It's why Betrayal At House on the Hill has worked so well for me for so long. And that is a game that is broken but it works so well with the theme that I'll always want to play it.

[@jamesmorgan1967]

Me too. I'm going to pick up the base box and 2-3 scenarios. I like how when things go wrong, they REALLY go wrong....just like the storyline in most horror films.

[@steveowen7508]

Thanks for the review. I was on the fence with this game, and after your review, I'm still on the fence, unfortunately.

[@BoardGameCo]

It's wowing some people...I liked it quite a bit but not over the moon.

[@creakygate]

So hoping that Season 1 will be made available during kickstarter for season 2

[@charlez2729]

It will be able to get both season in KS

[@charlez2729]

Alex would you say your experience with Final Girl is like Nemesis, based on how the game goes it's really great or just okay experience and you just don't know what type of game you'll get each time you play.

[@BoardGameCo]

So far yes.

[@infamousinc9076]

Hey Alex.If you find yourself selling Final Girl, I’ll take it! It’s been a horror show trying to find it!

[@BoardGameCo]

Not ready to go there yet :)

[@chopc2w]

As a criticism you noted that you wished the scenarios came with additional action cards relevant to location. At least two (I own 4/5) of them do. Have you played them all yet?

[@chopc2w]

To be clear, I’m not coming after you here. It’s just something that’s already in the game and you may find more to like.

[@BoardGameCo]

Nice! Glad to hear, and no, I've played through 3 of the 5 boxes I have, which two have them?

[@Keanotix]

@@BoardGameCo Maple Lane's map gives you a Convince card, but it's primarily used to enter occupied houses that contain items (the context being that the neighbours are frightened and won't let strangers in). Generally speaking any extra action cards are used in conjunction with the extra rules for either the killer or the location. One of the locations from S2 is an asylum that has a whole pill taking mechanic with different benefits and penalties, mastering it will give you special powers etc. It also has a Calming action card to help convert Maniacs (the minions of this killer) back to Victims for you to save.

[@CB-yh3db]

For all my Bee Gees fans, I have to to just say that lyrics go “Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin' alive, stayin' alive”……I am not sure if Alex (Board Game Co) was quoting the lyrics. I did get a good chuckle when I read the title. Final Girl Season 2 will do great, but I kinda wish they had a multi-player mode. Unfortunately, I am not the target audience since I don’t typically play solo games.

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol, didn't give it much thought...but you're right :)

[@SuperDesignermatt]

I came across Hostage Negotiator over Christmas and picked up a base game and a few extra packs. I really enjoy the challenge but the dice rolls aren’t kind to me! Been trying to track down a pledge of final girl to try out, as I’m reluctant to back the new Kickstarter for the next wave of content plus S1 for Final Girl without trying it out first.

[@siriactuallysara]

Thanks I missed the first KS and I’m really interested what movies this covers.

[@BoardGameCo]

Coming soon :-)

[@skuo118]

You can see the covers for season 2 online. I saw Alien, The Thing, Werewolf, the Strangers themes

[@chrisnenzel582]

No playmat? No minis? Bummer Alex!

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol I have them, just not in the shot here :)

[@Boardgamegyrl]

I have Hostage Negotiator and it’s very similar. I’m debating on backing S2 Final girl with only 2 hrs left to pledge, but wondering if best to just continue with HS by adding careers?

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Solo cheating is part of the fun if done correctly.

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol yes...but depends on how much :)

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

@@BoardGameCo - Ergo, the "if done correctly" part. *Wink, wink. 😇

[@sylvieroets4214]

Are there different difficulties between the different boxes? Or is their difficulty more or less the same but the approach different? Which ones do you prefer?

[@sen73nced]

They are different in difficulty and mechanics. Hans is the "easiest" and doesn't add extra rules while slaughter is the more complex. But at the end, you can play killers with different scenarios.

[@robertcrist6059]

I don't play solo. The few times I have I've felt and done that same thing you mentioned, walking back a turn or making it go in my favor because nobody else is around or affected. I very much have a completest compulsion, I love mixing and matching, trying all the scenarios and checking off every possible option and this game has that in spades...or blood haha. Why though should I spend $368 for solo games? A quick aside, if someone falling under "rest of the world" on the S2 KS and wants the all in pledge, that is anywhere from $150-300 more dollars! Literally $668 for everything haha that is crazy! I feel so bad for those people. I wonder if there is a way, house rule of course, to make this solo competitive. Everyone playing gets some sort of point system to bid for their girl, villain, location etc. Then you have awards for saving a victim first, first to save three award etc. First to do damage, do x damage. First to finish award and some others thrown in there and mix all that up and the survivors who have the best score have the "most dramatic finale" or something. It would be nice if I could borrow each box and not have to pay for them, but I don't know anyone who has the game.

[@TheAmazingYeti]

The "Epic All-In" pledge is $330, literally half of what you are talking about. Where did you get $668?? I mean.. $330 isn't cheap and I get where you're coming from. I also wish there was a 2P mode and that it wasn't so expensive. Clearly this game isn't for either of us.. luckily there are several other games to choose from.

[@MrCmmcinnis]

I also struggle with the mechanics, but... The theme makes the mechanics work. I don't like Hostage Negotiator and I love FG. Most of the time while playing I am telling myself this is nuts there no way to pull this off, and figuring out that puzzle and getting the win is so rewarding.

[@AaronAndSusie]

I'm sooooo interested in the theme and the solo play but man I really struggle with enjoying dice games so it might kill it for me ....

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, totally hear that.

[@AaronAndSusie]

@@BoardGameCo thanks again for a great overview

[@Naruga]

Went from having no interest in this game to a definite back after seeing people talk about it last month.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep :)

[@andressaldeno6568]

I hope this game will be edited in Spanish. It looks really cool.

[@danielmarlett1421]

Maybe it is good you let Robinson Crusoe go. It is full of cascading failure and dice rolling which doesn't seem to be your thing.

[@BoardGameCo]

Yep, I'm definitely concerned it isn't for me.

[@charliedc4728]

I understand solo gaming has grown more popular, and lot of gamers love it. That's groovy, but it's not for me. At least, I don't think it is. I want to share the experience with others, but games like Final Girl, Pavlov's House and Under Falling Skies has me thinking I should give solo gaming another go.

[@BoardGameCo]

I think solo gaming is excellent, and I'm saying that as a primary multiplayer person.

[@Dratio]

Always wary about story focused games when it comes to replayabiliy. My fear is that you're inevitably going to be repeating the same story beats, rereading the same cards and the sense of story immersion will melt away leaving me focusing just on mechanics.

[@ilqrd.6608]

Agreed, it really always happens that way, doesn’t it

[@BoardGameCo]

To a degree, but this is emergent narrative, a different mechanic. The sequence tells the story, there's no real story to the game itself.

[@seansmith2650]

Seems alright. I think its pretty scummy they couldnt include one killer/girl in the core box. Something like Marvel champions or Arkham core box has all you need for hours of fun.

[@BoardGameCo]

I've seen people bothered by it but I think that's more of a technicality of packing than anything else.

[@Keanotix]

Initially, when the game first launched, you could get a bundle that had the core box plus the first pack (Camp Happy trails/ Hans the butcher). But it is a pain in the ass when retailers only manage to get the core box in and none of the Feature boxes, true story btw.

[@Brummie29]

Still on the fence with this one, I’m only play games solo as the wife has no interest in the hobby. You would think with me loving nemo’s war, I would love this game, I’m also into horror but I just don’t know…. Might just go all in and see how it goes, so many games incoming…

[@anechoanechofilms]

Can I mix and match boards from season 1 with season 2?

[@BoardGameCo]

Yes

[@anechoanechofilms]

Thank you. I was going to get the core box, with one Season 2 Arctic the one, and Season 1 the Hans one and just mix and match.

[@kerisuthecynic8979]

Really missed a chance to call horror tests "stress tests".

[@BoardGameCo]

Lol fair

[@bgm-1961]

SO many other games use the term "stress test". I'm glad that VRG didn't go down that path of using the same term as everyone else, like lemmings. Where's the originality in that?

[@Sulucion6Tone]

Glad i didn't buy this one - after seeing many playthroughs now, i know it wouldn't have been played. Although i do own Nemo's War and actually enjoy playing that one quite a bit.

[@FemmeSensei]

East of play...I like that :)

[@BoardGameCo]

Appreciate it.

[@Rathammergames]

I found a Power Loader in Granma’s House and beat the Wolf to a pulp. 10/10 😂😂also flamethowers

[@jesseirwin2607]

I really wish final girl was multiplayer

[@BoardGameCo]

I totally hear

[@baroldalt312]

A Touch of Evil 10 Year Anniversary Edition. It's all been done before, with quicker turns and more story and theme

[@BalkanBiker]

Seems a lot of boardgamers are control freaks 🙂 I don't think a game like this would be good without dice randomness. The killer and the outcome being completely unpredictable is what makes this game what it is. I grew up with video games like Heroes of Might and Magic where a lot of stuff is randomized. And I just used to live with getting stuck somewhere. It's actually my preferred type of play. If a sandbox game doesn't have random map creator, I usually pass on it.

[@jorgedawsonwetto25]

this is right down my alley! but ive never liked playing with a female character 😅 like in video games etc! i know I am the stupid one! but i dont buy it just because of that tbh!! 😢

[@happypancakes]

hahaha love the title!

[@BoardGameCo]

:)

[@raptorrancher]

Can’t find this anywhere!

[@r.l.jeffries1091]

New Kickstarter starts January 11

[@ironpalmmonk1199]

Might be near impossible without paying scalping prices. Developer mentioned they are completely sold out. Best to just jump in the Kickstarter next week and pick up what appeals to you.

[@rogerklee459]

Gonna be a pass for me.

[@BoardGameCo]

Mechanics? Solo only/ Which sold you.

[@rogerklee459]

@@BoardGameCo I feel like I would only be interested in one of the "movies" and will maybe try it later. The game footage seemed not my favorite

[@patriziopastore9895]

Ahaha potential failure... Last play i die in 5 turn... Can you believe? Not a cascate failure an epic failure

[@fiv5by5ive]

I cant find this game..blah

[@BoardGameCo]

On Kickstarter now.

[@foggyhighway3346]

talk slower my brain cant keep up

[@TheLuminousCleric]

Soooo. Nothing special about this game. Why all the hype? The theme?

[@pesmerga275]

Alex gave it a positive review and if you want to hear glowing praise, check out reviews from the Mikes at Dice tower and one stop co-op shop. It's clearly got some big fans

[@BoardGameCo]

I enjoyed it without loving it, but I'm also just one opinion. Factor in all reviews, not just mine.

[@baroldalt312]

Because apparently bgg deleted the original review which was negative. Since then it's been a cult of positive reviews. Maybe people felt sorry for them about what happened during the ks.

[@baroldalt312]

Worst solo game. If you want a solo Horror game, try The Draugr. Or better yet,. A Touch of Evil 10 Year Anniversary Edition. But solo games like Unbroken, Kaiju Siege, Gate, Desolate, Under Falling Skies, Warps Edge etc are just better. Thanks for not being like so many people. "Ooh the theme, it's shiny so it's incredible."