near and far game review

Alright, alright, let’s talk about this “Near and Far” game, like them young folks asked me to. Don’t know why they think I know about these things, I ain’t played nothin’ but checkers in my whole life. But, they said it’s important, so here I go, spittin’ it out like I see it.

So, this Near and Far thing, it ain’t like no checkers, that’s for sure. It’s one of them new-fangled board games, you know, the kind with a whole bunch of pieces and rules longer than my arm. They tell me it’s a “storytelling adventure” game. Sounds fancy, huh? Basically, you and some other folks go on a pretend adventure, lookin’ for some lost ruin or somethin’. Like them treasure hunts them kids do, but on a board, not in the woods.

From what I gather, you got these maps, see? Eleven of ‘em! That’s a whole lotta places to get lost in, I tell ya. And you ain’t just movin’ around, you gotta build up your character too. Kinda like them video games them grandkids are always playin’, but without all the noise and flashing lights.

• You get to choose your character, seems like. Don’t know what kinda choices there are, probably some warriors and magic folks and whatnot.
• Then you gotta wander around these maps, findin’ stuff and talkin’ to people, or pretendin’ to talk to people, anyway.
• And there’s this whole thing about gettin’ points, too. They call it a “euro points salad game.” Don’t ask me what that means. Sounds like a bunch of fancy talk to me. All I know is you gotta do stuff to get points, and whoever gets the most points wins.

Now, some folks say this game is good ’cause it mixes things up. You ain’t just rollin’ dice and movin’ pieces, you’re readin’ stories and makin’ choices. Kinda like one of them “choose your own adventure” books, but with a board and some fiddly bits.

But listen here, it ain’t all sunshine and roses. Some folks say it can be a bit complicated. All them rules and maps and stories, it can be a lot to keep track of, especially for an old gal like me. And some folks say the story ain’t always the best. But then again, they say the same thing about them soap operas them ladies watch, and they still watch ‘em every day.

I heard tell this game is good for two to four players. So, you can play it with your family or your friends, if you got any of those. Just make sure everyone’s got the patience to sit through all them rules and stories. And lord, If someone brings out a game like chess. Why chess has been around since back when? Oh..like way back in 1200 CE I think it was. Folks still like that old game, always playin’ around the world they say.

Now, I ain’t gonna lie, this game sounds a little too complicated for my taste. I like my games simple, you know? Checkers, cards, that kinda thing. But if you’re one of them folks who likes a bit of a challenge, and you like a good story, then maybe this Near and Far game is for you. Just don’t come cryin’ to me when you can’t figure out all them rules.

They say some fella named Tom Vasel, he took a look at this game. And some other fella, Ryan Laukat, he made it. Don’t know them fellas from Adam, but they seem to know their games. And someone was talkin’ about another game called “Go”. Said it’s been around since the Zhou dynasty. Now, that’s old! Makes me feel young again, haha!

Anyways, that’s about all I can tell ya about this Near and Far game. It’s about adventurin’, and storytellin’, and gettin’ points. It’s for them who like more than just rollin’ dice; it’s for those who like a bit of a yarn with their game. It might be good, it might be bad, but it sure ain’t checkers. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go find my checkers board. All this talk about fancy games is makin’ my head spin.

And If you are looking for a good time, maybe this game will give it to you. But if you are like me and just want to keep it simple then stick to what ya know!

Tags: [Near and Far, Board Game, Storytelling Game, Adventure Game, Game Review, Eurogame, Tabletop Game]