Flamecraft - DON’T BE FOOLED! - Gameplay and Review

[@revimfadli4666]

Tbf "town building with dragons" is still a more interesting twist than the all too common "medieval town building"

[@kenpat1001]

you have some good points but some I think you gave too much negative, I watched many videos of people playing Flamecraft and you can see the players strategize on where to go next, players think of what to do to out play each other. you said your daughter was bored when she was playing, if we were look at the game it says it is suitable for ages 10+ up. the age of 6 kids, cant strategize yet, that's why she went to play Lego. anyways.. good video, you explain your points well. just too much negative points. the title is also too negative, the game seems fun. Il get a copy of my own.

[@theperfectboardgame]

I will concede that using my 6-year-old daughter as an example is unfair based on the game’s age rating.

[@TheTwistedKris]

Kinda feel like you only scraped the theme of the game and overlooked that yes each type of dragon has the same ability. At 3:14 as you say that you can see both are the same effect on both meat dragons except for name and art. As for the thematic reason of that effect specifically, tasty magic meat attracts more dragons to the town. You're right in pointing out the cards don't specifically give that to you, but it's also not a negative to let players use their imagination to fill in the intended gaps. Also it's interesting you give it a middling score for theme and then immediately discard the town matt in the next section without addressing how it adds to the theme while providing reputation tracking. Lasty your take on the title is pretty flimsy. The game is sold as a game about building a town with artisan dragons that do the crafting. I don't blame your kid from being disinterested when you think so little of the thematics and play in such a technical manner. Edit to add, 14:14 you are contradicting yourself with 3:14

[@Baljetfox]

I agree with you, it's really not that complicated, the dragons each color all do the same thing, there's not even enough of them to fill all shops before end game is triggered, half of the shops don't have effects or anything, no reading required there, imagine if all game titles where as descriptive as this guy wants, that would be so unappealing, the title is related enough to the gameplay, you just gotta inform yourself before you buy a game, why wouldn't you do that anyway?

[@NadDew]

lol i never played this game before, but even with that i think this review is full of bs. all i saw is someone complaining about how dare they use dragons in different imaginative ways 😂

[@TalenLee]

Seeing people say this must be an honest review because it's critical of the game that they haven't played, as if the game can't possibly be actually good. Makes me wonder about an audience like that.

[@VeggieMuffinE]

Helpful tip: there are more than 6 dragon effects. The basic 6 plus the fancy dragons have several different effects as well. Overall not a bad review of the game though you out a few things. The game comes with lots of add ons to make it more "interesting ". It has 2 different enchantment decks so you dont have to bore of the 1 and it has additional companions to add to the game if you want more going on. I really like how you organize your reviews though. Definitely will have to check out some others from you!

[@cupfulofeathers]

It’s so refreshing to see your “negative” review. Commenters are saying it’s unfair to include your 6-year-old’s opinion, but we played with a 13yo and a 16yo who were both bored to tears. I’ve tried to give this game the benefit of the doubt but it’s full of missed opportunities. The art is all care about with this game and I regret buying it.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thank you! (And also: Sorry!)

[@cupfulofeathers]

@@theperfectboardgame All good! My husband and I were happy to support the fantastic artist(s) at least!

[@ChubbyChoncc]

Just got the game a while ago and I watched this before the purchase. After a few runs I think it is honestly a fun game to play so I gotta agree with some people comments here that this video seems to be a little too harsh. I've played with my brother (who is 16 btw) and some of my friends, they all love the game for its theme and the gameplay is perfect for 2-3 players. Maybe 4+ players can be a little too much I guess? To enjoy this game to its fullest I think the players you are playing with have to be somewhat competitive or know how to min-max, my guess for your dissatisfaction with the game came from playing with your family while your daughter being 6 can be... disengaging to both you and her. Mechanic wise I agree the game could have done something better with interactions between players rather than you do your things I do mine, but I think some of the shop mechanic do offer interesting choices sometimes and people will try making some weird interactions with it (purple dragons are nuts when it comes to activating fancy dragons). If this game has an expansion that allow you to interact more with others I think this *might* come close to Everdell, but I doubt it will ever happen when they want a more family-oriented. One thing I heavily disagree with this video is your theme point as you compared Flamecraft to Tea Dragon Society. I own both and not gonna lie here I think Tea Dragon Society is mediocre. The artstyle is subjective but I think it's subpar to Flamecraft's, its card description might fit the card but that's it, the game almost feel like it was created from the names alone, not the other way around with clunky mechanics, unfitting designs and weird choices for card actions and artworks (Young love, Sunset, etc featuring all humans and no sign of dragons). Back to Flamecraft, while the artisan dragons effects don't fit well with the artworks, the fancy dragons, companions and additional shops however do a phenomenal job on making effects that are both well-balanced and fit to the names/artworks or at least they are waaaay better than Tea Dragon Society. Overall, you did well in spotting the weak points of this game but I still personally think it's a bit too harsh, especially on theme and strategy parts while your opponents (or players you played with if you prefer) are not that engaged enough to play the game to begin with. But harshness is honesty after all, I respect your opinions.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Love this analysis! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with the things you pointed out about Tea Dragon Society. We went to PAX and even though we don’t like the game very much, we bought the artwork book just because it is so beautiful! All I was trying to say is TDS is a game that is more focused on interacting with dragons.

[@DarkVincent117]

I think you made a harsh review. Like trying to have a dune imperium interaction game on a simple family game. I really disagree about the low player interaction. Everything is in constant movement, the dragons effect in town. The final score dragons. The constant give another players resources to win points. Etc.

[@theperfectboardgame]

It may be harsh, but it is honest. I did play this game with my family. They (kids and adults) were bored by it, hence the warning. Opinions are my own though and I hope this game finds its place on the shelves of some people who really like it.

[@ianw0ng]

thank you for your honest review. much appreciated. too late though, already preordered the game. hopefully my family will have a better reaction.

[@theperfectboardgame]

I can be pretty tough on games. Did you get the deluxe version? I went all out on this game and when we play it, I always think, “at least I got the deluxe version. This game is so pretty.”

[@ianw0ng]

@@theperfectboardgame as you should. this game is not cheap, even more expensive here in asia, so a brutal honest review is always good for the wallet. yes, got the deluxe one. the earlier reviews from other channels convinced me. if it fails to connect with my kids, i can always resell. :)

[@theperfectboardgame]

I’m relieved your impression was based on what other channels said and not mine. I made a 60-second review in my usual style where I was more objective and then I made this one. Between the two videos, I played the game again and my opinion of the game’s mechanics plummeted after another non-fun session. But yeah, you will resell this game, no problem. Very high interest in this game. Otherwise please let me know if you end up liking it.

[@Listan1]

Contrary opinion is to get the retail version which still has the nice playmat and the art and cards for $27-15% off at Boardlandia right now. For $24, seems worth a try?

[@theperfectboardgame]

$24 bucks isn’t bad at all! I don’t know if this is a concern you have, but I often worry more shot storage space than cost. The game is worth a try, especially while it is new and trendy, but I don’t think it’s a keeper long term.

[@electricLD]

You have karuba on your shelf. There is no player interaction, the game plays the same everytime (make roads) and yet it is a wonderful family game. Flamecraft is a family game to play with kids. There is nothing especially deep and it is designed like this. So I don't understand why you don't see it like it is. Also since you don't like it I really don't understand why you are suggesting the deluxe version that is way too expensive. That been said, you are of course untitled of your opinion but as a boardgamer I think you come off way too harsh and negative in this particular case.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Well, I wasn't recommending the deluxe version necessarily, but if you do like Flamecraft, man the deluxe version is the way to go! So pretty... anyway, to me, the difference between Karuba and Flamecraft boils down to the essential gameplay: Karuba is a game with no player interaction and so everyone plays at the same time. There is no waiting for your turn; it is streamlined to support the isolated gameplay. The components are also very streamlined, there is nothing "extra" about this game and the objective (get to the treasure) is clear and intuitive. Flamecraft has (considerably) isolated gameplay, but you have to WAIT... you have to WAIT a LONG time. There is so much extra in this game: so many buildings, cards, objectives. Flamecraft invites you to take your time because of how many choices are available (choices that really just amount to trading arbitrary resources for victory points) and it is not thematically intuitive or interesting to watch other people take their turn.

[@reneenolan8163]

Honestly I loved this game. So many with more complicated mechanics stop me playing again. It takes too much mental gymnastics that I’m not chilled out, like a board game should provide.

[@revimfadli4666]

Regarding the 36 dragons, wouldn't them sharing only 6 effects reduce that burden?

[@TheTwistedKris]

That was actually a deliberate design decision made by the team to keep it simple

[@Wylie288]

@@TheTwistedKris Like yeah? This is literally how card games work lol.

[@rodrigofernandez4682]

I think you have valid points but I feel your opinion is not completely objective, I´d ask what do you think about everdell, because the animals are cute and all but you can have the same game with any other theme, actually if you don´t place the tree the game per se it´s not very thematic, it could be anything besides animals, also the position of the resources doesn´t matter there ( I don´t think it matters in almost any game), so good points but I had to stop watching the video because I felt it was not an honest opinion but it felt biased....

[@theperfectboardgame]

It sounds like you have seen my videos on Everdell, have you not? Would it be consistent if I told you that is exactly what I said about Everdell? I think Everdell is a better game than Flamecraft overall, but yes, I do think the theme of Everdell is exceptionally weak.

[@JLX5]

😂 if you think Everdell's theme is weak then you shouldn't be doing reviews cause you're clueless. Honest reviews doesn't mean bashing games and giving them ridiculously low scores.

[@tomvermeulen8003]

@@JLX5 If one decimates theme to having coherent art you would be right. Everdell is actually not very thematic, the art on the cards for eg has nothing to do with the output they generate. Lost ruins of arnak is the complete opposite and drips in theme. The figures on the cards relate to the bonuses you get. Its a reason my friends dont like Everdell, they think its too dry and luck based in general. (But i still love it even with its flaws)

[@richardoaks8333]

A little tough on the game... I felt plenty of magic while playing, but I'm not critical if it's engaging, and every game needs a hard review. If you want to keep the game moving, disallow everyone to take more than a few seconds to make decisions. Keeps people attentive and sharp, and encourages being competitive. I hope you get more games out of it. Id be willing to buy your copy:)

[@theperfectboardgame]

It’s a good suggestion, but it depends on who is playing. Might work better when my kids are older.

[@vlegeltje]

I am looking for ideas on how to improve the gameplay, rules to make the game more interesting, inventions by players? I was very excited my first time I played it, and then bored right the second time. Does anyone have tips? I have already heard the race to X amount of points as a way to speed up the game when the end starts to drag and the play becomes to repetitive.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Big surprise: I don't play this game very often so I don't have any tested house rules. I can tell you my theory on what I think would make it better: players don't really own anything: they just keep making the board better for everyone. I think everyone should have a "private shop" where they can place their own dragons and only they can activate. Something like this would give each player a unique strength or ability: you could keep three dragons of the same type or you could diversify your skills. Something like this wouldn't require changing the contents of the game.

[@joegarcia9729]

Biggest issue i had on my first playthrough was how messy the game was. Stacking cards onto cards made the game feel like a mess, and found any moment moved the cards move and need to be readjusted.

[@theperfectboardgame]

To true! Though I am glad they have a neoprene board. The friction of the board makes it a little better.

[@tah27891]

Finally SOMEONE sees what I see!! This game only shines because of it's looks. Not worth what the secondhand market is offering.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Haha. Glad you liked this. I get a lot of negative comments for choosing to go counter-culture, but it's good to hear others see what I mean.

[@honeyglowww]

Are you selling the deluxe edition 👀 lol!! Ugh, I still wish I backed this!

[@theperfectboardgame]

I was going to, but we just went to PAX Unplugged and my wife was so charmed by the merchandise, she bought the illustrated book. I guess if we have the book we should keep the game? I’m not sure, but Lucky Duck sure does a great job of selling the world that has been created.

[@honeyglowww]

@@theperfectboardgame yesss! 1000% keep! 😁

[@roadjcat]

I mostly agree with everything said here. I've only played it once with 5 people and it felt long with definite information overload by the end.

[@roadjcat]

I would maybe try again with fewer people

[@theperfectboardgame]

Yeah. I think it is better as a two player game. It needs to move in order to stay interesting.

[@abnertorres9976]

I understand the review but also very on purpose with the title. I’m so thankful I didn’t listen to you and ordered, the game is great, and I don’t agree with any of your “negative” views cause that didn’t happen, it’s not perfect but it’s really good, also there is complexity by adding the new shops. I think people confuse “honesty” with just negative bashing to get views, but I’ll be looking forward to see if your other reviews are not like this.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thank you for giving me another chance. If you watch another review of mine and you don’t think it sounds sincere, will you let me know in the comments? Negative reviews are hard: people rarely resent positive reviews, but you can’t give every game a positive review because that lacks integrity. The key lies in accurately describing why I don’t like the game while also conceding the game’s strengths, even when I know it’s not for me. Anyway, glad Flamecraft turned out good for you.

[@AshleyShimp]

Thank you for the honest review! I played Flamecraft twice and did not enjoy it either time. I didn't even want to keep it as a gateway, beginner-friendly game. I agree with your review and I honestly don't get the hype for Flamecraft. And, I am sorry many of these comments are dismissive of your opinion.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Well, to their credit, I am criticizing a game that is backed by a lot of hype and I did it in a way to get attention, but in my defense, the only games that are worth publishing a negative review are games that are over-rated or overhyped. I wouldn’t waste my time making a bad review for a little known game or a game that already doesn’t have attention. Also, I’m not making the review SOLELY for attention and I am sure you can tell that I sincerely think the expectations for this game are way too high and people SHOULD be cautioned. Thank you for expressing your vote of confidence in my integrity!

[@djwillme]

Even the most engaging games can’t keep younger kids at the table for more than 10-15 minutes. Ours are constantly going back and forth to take their turns

[@theperfectboardgame]

Everyone can only speak for their own kids. I almost cut that part from the video because a I figured that wouldn’t be a big surprise for most people, but I kept it because even though she is six, that she would be so uninterested actually is unusual for OUR daughter.

[@semperarashi4135]

Thank you for the honest review!! Just subscribed 🙂 We need more objective reviewers like you!

[@Wylie288]

We need less reviewers that pretend their opinions matter instead of explaining who the target audience is and how well it works for them. This isn't a review. This is an opinion piece that's irrelevant to everyone but this guy. All we learned is he doesn't like light weight euros. We know nothing about how good a light weight euro this game is.

[@BayonetRecon]

I hope you don’t get flamed by the Flamecraft fans! 😂 I know my daughter will love the theme and components, which is why I backed it. That’s unfortunate the rest of the game scores so low. 😮

[@theperfectboardgame]

Low scores aren’t always a bad thing. For example, the game is not very strategic or complex. That means it is accessible to more players, both to teach and play.

[@BayonetRecon]

@@theperfectboardgame Great point! I have a few highly rated games that go unplayed because of their complexity level. The extreme end of the spectrum where having to constantly refer back to the rules is not enjoyable either.

[@Listan1]

Did you have an opinion of Creature Comforts? We thought the game play was really fun on that one and combined with a cute quality production. But also suffers from being too long at 4. We do simultaneous play at 2 and it works really well. Surprised so many people (adults!) are extolling the fun gameplay of Flamecraft. Not many saying the gameplay is okay but elevated by how cute and nice the production is. That said, I’ve been so hesitant because I feared there was no there there despite the extolling coming in from those that got the game and had their first several plays. So I just went conservative and got the cheap retail version. Looks nice. If it’s boring, I also think I can sell that UNLESS they overprinted it and everyone discounts it incredibly to sub-$20.

[@theperfectboardgame]

I made a video on Creature Comforts. I think it is average. I played it with a group of adults and I thought it was a bit dry, but when I consider it as a game to play with my whole family, I think it has some potential. I could be convinced on it, but as of right now I have already moved on. Creature Comforts has a short and long version of play. I think the short version was perfect. I didn't watch any other reviews on Flamecraft. In fact, I think that is probably best since I don't want my own review to be influenced by what someone else has said. I too am surprised if real hobbyists actually find this game entertaining. But I will reiterate: the game is not so bad early on, it is as the spaces, resources and dragons become more numerous that it begins to drag, overwhelm, and become uninteresting.

[@Myratres]

The biggest point against the deluxe version is the price point... at Essen SPIEL the standard version was at 35€ and the deluxe at 95! Just for some miniatures, coins and wooden pieces. I would never recommend buying the deluxe version except on a drastically reduced price point

[@theperfectboardgame]

At PAX Unplugged, you could also buy stuffed dragons, pins, and even an illustrated book.

[@RickKoeppen]

"Just" for minis, metal coins, and wooden pieces. 😂 Sorry they didn't also include the Ark of the Covenant. Deluxe edition is well worth it, imo.

[@marlonsantana21]

Awesome! Prolly the the very first boardgame youtuber to give an honest review criticizing a game.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Time will tell. I am convinced the game gets positive reviews because it is new and beautiful. Give it some time: people will see there isn’t much about its gameplay.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

18:04 Ah, that is so cool! I will have to check out that website! 😊

[@theperfectboardgame]

Thanks man. It’s a passion project of mine. I hope you like it.

[@TheVeriOra]

I appreciate a well proofed review. Thanks

[@theperfectboardgame]

My pleasure!

[@erniesulovic4734]

Just looking at the game from afar, it seems to be more of a game for kids in which adults can join. So if I was to take advice from someone regarding this game, it'd be a kid and not a grown-up

[@agneset.7558]

Don't you think your opinion is a little too harsh for a family game? in European games the theme is almost always a pretext but that doesn't make them any less fun or interesting. I disagree with your opinion on everdell, for example, with regards to the theme. What's a game where you can feel the thematic, just as i can understand what you mean? as far as interaction is concerned, that is not necessarily for fun or entertainment. on your library I see titles that don't have a very high interaction but are still fun and strategic (gizmos, for example).

[@theperfectboardgame]

Games don't have to be thematic to be fun, but they do need to be fun to be fun. Our family did not have fun playing Flamecraft.

[@theperfectboardgame]

Examples of thematic games? Family games tend to be simpler and thematic games tend to be more complex. These examples aren't a "10" in theme, but they are fair or good:,Planet, The Spill, Pandemic, Rainforest City, Evolution, Living Forest. Other games that are extremely thematic (but for adults) would be On Mars, Barrage, Twilight Struggle, Fog of Love, Clinic, Food Chain Magnate...

[@agneset.7558]

@@theperfectboardgame of course it is not mandatory for you to enjoy this game, what i meant is that you probably expected too much from it. You seems to be a hard player and probably flamecraft is too casual for you… Personally i don’t remember any german game where you can really “feel” the thematic, we just focus on strategy and scoring points 🤣 Ps: im not native english, i may sound “aggressive” in the way i speak but i don’t mean to. ;)

[@theperfectboardgame]

@@agneset.7558 that’s okay. Maybe I sounded overly defensive.

[@nimahamehameha]

In my mind flamecraft meant that the dragons use their flame ability to help craft items in the different shops.

[@theperfectboardgame]

That’s definitely what they are going for, and the artwork supports that, but what actually comes across is trading resources for points. In my opinion, it is not satisfying in execution.

[@eastargamemanufacturing6914]

Thanks for showing! Your ideas are great! 😉

[@vloche11]

Thank you for the objective review.

[@erikabreu5309]

Oh if you are a dragon you can only do dragon related stuff?? Lol how narrow minded