Over a decade ago, a little known TV show premiered on the FOX network called Firefly. As any fan of the show (Browncoats as they are known) can attest to, this sci-fi/western TV show was completely mismanaged by the network until it was canceled halfway through its first season. To say the show has gone on to become a cult hit would be a gross understatement. Firefly has spawned a loyal following of Browncoats that any TV show on the air now would be drooling to have.
It’s with these fans in mind that we take a look at today’s review of Firefly: The Game. Published by Gale Force Nine, the Firefly: The Game quickly sold out at its Gen Con premiere in 2013. Was this hype founded or were people suckered in by the face of Nathan Fillion on the box? A better question is if Firefly is actually a good game or simply just using the license to leech dollars from loyal Browncoats? Read on and let’s find out!
Firefly: The Game is a Pick Up and Deliver board game for 1-4 players that plays in about 2-3 hours. Firefly plays best with 3-4 players.
Game Overview:
Choosing the pick-up and deliver mechanic for Firefly: The Game wasn’t a big stretch on Gale Force Nine’s part. After all, the show was about the adventures of a group of miscreants about a cargo transport ship. Hauling things around the ‘Verse was basically what the show was about.
In Firefly: The Game, players will each take on the role of a captain of a firefly class space ship (and yes, one player gets to pilot the Serenity) who is trying to make a buck in the transport business. During the game, players will hire crew, equip them, travel around the galaxy, and complete jobs for various contacts. Many jobs will simply require players to take cargo from point A to point B. However, the more lucrative contacts will require a player to “misbehave” and step on the other side of the law to get paid. Players will continue to venture around space, completing jobs, and earning money, until someone fulfills the game’s goal requirements (6 different scenarios are included in the game). The first player to achieve this wins.
Game Components:
Firefly: The Game is stacked full of bits and pieces inside its cardboard box. The game comes with a number of molded plastic Firefly ships, an alliance cruiser, and a reaver ship. All are well made and look like their TV show counter parts. In addition to that, there are quite a few different decks of cards for players to both outfit their ships and use to pick up jobs. These are both illustrated with thematic art and also use photos from the TV show and movie.
Finally the game comes with both a number of cardboard tokens and stacks of paper money. Normally I’m pretty against using paper money in games, I feel like cardboard tokens have easily eclipsed those in terms of usability and quality. But the paper money in Firefly feels both high quality and is easy to handle. It’s a huge step above the crappy Monopoly money that we have all grown accustomed to. Overall, no complaints about the components in Firefly: The Game.
How to Play:
To start the game, players choose one of the 6 mission cards to tackle in the game. After that, each player gets a firefly class ship, collects their starting cash, and chooses a captain. Each captain will have a unique ability and skills. All of the various decks of cards are then shuffled and the players are then ready to begin.
On a turn, a player may take 2 actions (no repeating actions). Options include:
• Fly – Players can move their ship around the board. Either 1 space for free or up to their ships max movement by spending fuel and drawing cards from the travel decks.
• Buy – Players can buy equipment, ship upgrades, and hire crew. If a player is at a location with a market, they can choose to first look through the discard pile, and also draw cards to consider buying. Each card has a cost to purchase/hire. The better crew will cost more (and require a bigger cut of jobs), but will be much more handy to have along.
• Deal – Deal works similar to the buy action, except instead of getting equipment and crew, you are taking on jobs. There are 5 different contacts to get jobs from and they range from legal and low paying to lucrative and highly dangerous (and illegal). Once you complete a job for a contact you are considered “solid” with them. At that point you can usually sell cargo/contraband with those contacts outside of the normal jobs.
• Work – This is where you actually work on a job. Most jobs will be self-explanatory with how to complete them. Pick up goods or passengers here, deliver them there. Some jobs will have requirements (fake ID, explosives, etc…) that players will need to procure before they can attempt the job. Most illegal jobs will require a player to “aim to misbehave”, this usually requires a set of skill checks.
Skill checks are fairly easy. There are three skills in the game, Fight, Tech, and Negotiate. To make a check, a player rolls a 6-sided die and adds their skill points (each crew member or equipment showing the matching symbol). If the player reaches the required number on the test, they pass. Easy enough, right? A player must be careful with which illegal jobs they take as some are also immoral. Some crew members are moral and if they are forced to work on an immoral job, they will become disgruntled. After a player completes a job, they get paid the amount on the job card (plus any bonuses). At this point, each crew member also gets a cut (equal to what you paid to hire them). If you want, you can thumb your nose at the crew member and not give them their cut, which will cause them to become disgruntled. A disgruntled crew member will leave you if they ever gain a second disgruntled token. A rival player can also hire out a disgruntled crew member from under you if they are in the same sector.
After a player has finished their 2 actions, the next player takes their turn. Play continues in this manner until one player has achieved the scenario’s goal and wins.
Game Experience:
Firefly: The Game isn’t the first board game based on a TV show we’ve reviewed here on Board Game Quest. A while ago we took a look at the Battlestar Galactica board game (spoiler alert: it’s phenomenal) and were able to state that you don’t have to be a fan of the show to love the board game. Does Firefly fall into the same mold? I’d say yes, but not as strongly.
Don’t get me wrong, Firefly is a great game, but part of my enjoyment of it comes from my love of the TV show. The game’s cards are full of artwork and quotes from the show that helps turn this simple pick up and deliver game into a trip down memory lane. It’s these kinds of small touches that will help any Browncoat love this game.
But on the same token, Firefly: The Game is far from a cheap, licensed tie in. While, yes, the Firefly license defiantly helps sell this game, overall Firefly is a well-designed game that’s also a lot of fun. And for me, that’s a sigh of relief. Nothing is worse than getting a game based on a subject matter you enjoy and finding out it’s nothing but a shallow box of cards with no game play to speak of (World War Z I’m looking at you).
The game mechanics in Firefly are actually pretty sound. Each of the captain cards has their own unique abilities which will help you tailor your game strategy. Some are really good at delivering cargo and others are great in a fight. As you progress through the game, the kinds of upgrades and equipment you find will also change how you play. If you up the speed of your ship, you might start doing a lot of cargo runs to make a quick buck. However if you load up with mercenaries and guns, you’ll most likely be misbehaving for Niska. It’s this flexibility that can make Firefly such a fun game. There are usually many different paths to victory.
And that’s one of the things I really enjoy about Firefly, the sandbox nature of it. Sure there is an overarching goal to the game, but players are free to get there anyway they want. I love that I can just fly around the ‘Verse and do what jobs I want and for who I want. Some goals are just as simple as “make a lot of money” while others have a few steps to them. There is a lot of flexibility here to play the kind of game you want too.
That’s not to say Firefly isn’t without its flaws. For one, the player interaction in Firefly is somewhat minimal. Other than moving the Alliance Cruiser or the Reaver towards a fellow player, Firefly is more of a race than a battle. Players will, for the most part, be zipping around the skies doing their own jobs and ignoring the other transport ships. Sure, occasionally you might get lucky and be able to steal away a good crew member from another player, but those will be rare occasions. For those interested, the recently released Pirates and Bounty Hunters expansion is supposed to add in a bit more player interaction.
For the most part though, the low amount of player interaction in Firefly doesn’t bother me too much. Firefly feels like a race to earn the big bucks and as the end game nears, you’ll get an idea of who’s in the lead. Once you know who your real rivals are, you can keep an eye on what they are doing. While I may not be able to stop you from completing your job, I can sure has heck try and finish mine first. And maybe I’ll nudge the Reaver ship your way while I’m at it.
Final Thoughts:
Firefly: The Game can almost be called a love letter to the Browncoat. The game is incredibly thematic (nominated for our 2013 Thematic game award), easy to learn, and a must play for any fan of the show. I think people who either haven’t seen or just don’t like Firefly aren’t going to be as excited about this game as Browncoats will be. That said, Firefly: The Game is still a solid board game and worth a play. While the Pick Up and Delivery game genre is nothing new, Firefly does a great job of implementing it in a way that rewards fans of the show.
I should warn you though that the playing time on the scenario cards are fairly optimistic. We rarely, if ever, finish a game in less than two hours. Some have even come closer to three. The good news is that Firefly rarely feels like it’s taking that long. You will have so much fun zipping around the ‘verse, misbehaving, and upgrading your ship that the time will pass by quickly. If you are a fan of Firefly or Serenity, this game is a must buy. For others, it’s definitely a try before you buy game.
If you are interested in getting a copy for yourself, it’s about $37
Final Score: 4 Stars – A highly thematic game that will have you enjoying your time in the ‘verse.
Hits:
• Highly thematic with quotes and photos from the show
• Lots of high quality components
• Different scenarios provide good replay value.
• Solid game mechanics
Misses:
• Minimal player interaction
• Reliance on luck will be a turn off for some.
The designers say the game is sandbox style. Go anywhere. Do anything you want. Sure. And loose while other people just do the exact strategy to win. First game we played, I was surprised at how few turns it took for someone to win the game. He got 3 delivery jobs. Did some muck work, and paid Niska. Wham, bam, thank you maam. Kiss your dear fluffy lord goodbye. Ok, maybe that was a fluke. Game 2. Almost the same results. But this time with a different player. We even tried to stop him. I flew around in border space till I could get the Reavers on the Hunt card so another buddy of mine could intercept him. Yeah, crew dead, he doesn’t care. Still pays Niska and wins. Ugh.
So maybe that was just a coincidence. We get together another time and play one of the other box scenarios. And I learn how to break the game and win every time. Do you want to know how to do it? Seriously, in the next couple sentences I will spoil the game for you, and give you the secret to winning. Are you sure you want to know? Yes? Yes? SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go to either Badger or Amnon Duul and consider jobs, do crap work (collect $200) till you get three either delivery jobs, or low misbehave jobs (1 card or 2 at the most!). Go hire some crew (Silverhold is a pretty good place). Complete the jobs. Repeat ad nauseam. Lame. But there you go. And yes it does work. Since I discovered that strategy I HAVEN’T LOST A GAME! And I played with new and seasoned players. That is the biggest letdown in the world.
Buddy, are you saying that completing the objective as quickly and efficiently as possible will win you the game every time?
That’s…not exactly a revolutionary thought.
It’s like GTA, or any sandbox video game. I could screw around and not get anything done, or pursue the objectives quickly.
It all depends on how much fun you’re having in the sandbox with the mechanics. Personally, I’m keen on it, but I can absolutely understand how someone might not enjoy it.
I think he’s trying to say there is no challenge if you can bypass everything and skip to the finish line. This isn’t GTA or any other vid game. If you wonder around playing like it’s a sandbox, it would get boring really quick. I’m holding off buying this game if the above is true. Now if they release a game like this for PS or Xbox, I’ll pick it up really quick.
Not ripping on your reply to his post, if you like it more power to you but I can understand why he considers it a non challenge. I would recommend Battlestar Galatica, now that’s a challenging fun game.
To be fair, the game where you pay off Niska is ~meant~ to be over quickly. It’s specifically intended to be a rapid learning experience for those new to the game, where you only have to earn a quite small amount of cash to win, and the two times I’ve played it it’s been over in less than an hour.
The larger cash games reward different options – sitting around the Space Bazaar and/or Persephone is a quick way to raise a small amount of cash mainly due to not having to buy gear, but after ~10K it’s inefficient, particularly if it means turning down jobs that are a fair way away. Makework might be enough to turn the tide there, but only in a pure cash-based game.
Because where the game shines is in telling stories, with goals other than just earning bucketloads of cash. For example, the one where you have to steal the Crown Jewels where cash means nothing and having a balanced crew (or having to change your crew three times!) is everything. In our group (so far about… probably twelve games or so) Silverhold is the least visited place in the ‘Verse, and when it is visited repeatedly it’s generally by the loser… With one very memorable exception which requires too many in-jokes to explain.
Probably the biggest problem with the game is the randomness inherent in card decks. Those who get hard jobs early will always suffer against someone who lucks out with three delivery jobs starting and finishing near one another.
Hey everyone, reading your comments it seems to me like the makers of this game need to do some tweeking. Kind of like what the 2nd edition of War Of The Ring is to the 1st edition. Where in my opinion the first edition it was easier to win as the free people where as the 2nd edition made it more even.
I am a fan of Firefly but not big enough fan to ignore the problems this game seems to have. To me the point of a board game is to win. It should be a more even balanced system in place to get to that point.
To be honest, I don’t have a lot of problems with the game. There are a number of different missions you can do, so if you don’t like a game of “just get money” there are other missions where you have to complete specific objectives.
Everyone has their own opinions of course, but I think Firefly plays great how it is, especially when you throw in the expansions.
My friends and I played the game for the first time last night. We played one game learning the rules, than tried a more challenging goal scenario. It was intense and exciting! We started the second game around 10:00pm and finished at 3:00 am. We had four players(and that second game our neighbor joined so it took longer because we had to teach him the rules). The very end was suspenseful and adrenaline packed as we all raced to get the last goal chip. The winner won by an amazing roll of the dice. He needed a 9 to win with only one die to cast! He rolled a 6 granting him the extra roll, with which he rolled another 6! His final die count was 14! The surprise ending was so incredible we kept talking about it as we packed up the game and went to our respective homes. This game is incredibly fun and perhaps the best RPG board game I have ever played.
I think the game is great. If you’re still doubting about it, try to play it somewhere and then buy it. Its somewhat complicated for beginners and usually takes like 3-5 hours. So if you only like short games this is not for you. But for others its great and the available expansions add more cool stuff to this great game 😉
BluE
Just played this for the first time and it was fun. I had gotten it as a gift. The group of us that played it was not familiar with Firefly though, which made some confusions.
When moving it (the rules) talks all about drawing alliance cards in alliance sectors and border cards in border sectors. But it never defines what an alliance ir border sector is. Looking back, I think that we ended up treating a lot more space as alliance that we were supposed to because that simple thing wasn’t mentioned in the game.
And there were a couple other things that could’ve been made clearer. Being solid with Ammon Duul for examples lets you load passengers at Space Bazaar but there’s no explanation of why you would want to do that, though we assumed the reason is to replace dead passengers. That’s really its only weak point though.
If it helps, Page 7 of the rulebook says that you draw an alliance card for spaces with a blue boarder, and use the other deck for yellow boarder spaces.
I stand corrected. (And for others looking, it’s under the fuel burn section.)
Also, there are jobs with Patience, where she pays you $200 to $300 per passenger. In case anyone uses this review and comments as a guide to the game.