Forest of Fate is a cooperative storytelling card game designed by Milly Hanson and released in in 2017. The game is set in a mystical forest where players must work together to navigate through various challenges and make choices that will ultimately determine their fate.
Game Components of Forest of Fate
Player cards: Each player selects a character from fantasy archetypes like warrior, thief, shaman, bard, warlock, and ranger, each with four base skills (two good, two great) and two special abilities.Encounter cards: A randomized sequence of face-down location cards representing various obstacles such as wild animals, mazes, foes, waterways, and more.Storyboard book: Available online or in print, this book contains the narrative outcomes based on the skills used and the direction of approach.Art and components: High-quality 350gsm cards with clear symbols for each skill type, though the text on the cards is quite small.Items and artefacts: Players can gain items that provide bonuses, allow them to bypass future nodes, or mitigate negative effects.
How To Setup Forest of Fate
To set up the game, players first choose their characters and special abilities. Each player starts with a clean bill of health, a set of skills, and a player power. The group also receives an item or artefact that can aid them in their journey. The encounter cards are arranged in a pathway, with the length varying based on the number of players and the desired difficulty level.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to navigate through a series of randomized encounters.Skill-based challenges: Players must decide which character’s skills (speed, style, guile, force, care, or wits) are best suited for each encounter.Outcome resolution: Players look up the corresponding paragraph in the storybook based on the skill used and the direction of approach, reading out the outcome and resolving any consequences.Item and ability usage: Players can use items and special abilities to avoid or mitigate negative effects.Survival and victory points: The goal is to survive the journey and accumulate victory points based on items collected and characters alive at the end.
Player Experience
Forest of Fate offers a dynamic and suspenseful experience, reminiscent of Dungeons and Dragons and Choose Your Own Adventure books. Players engage in discussions to decide which skills to use, creating a collaborative atmosphere. However, each player tackles encounters individually, with other characters seemingly waiting while one character handles the challenge. The game is known for its harsh, old-school feel, where death is a frequent threat.
Pros
Engaging storytelling: The game combines a compelling narrative with interactive gameplay.Portable and compact: Easy to take anywhere due to its lightweight and compact design.Quality components: High-quality cards and clear artwork.Replayability: Multiple characters and randomized encounters offer varied experiences.
Cons
Limited character development: Characters’ skills do not improve over time.Arbitrary outcomes: Some decisions may have seemingly arbitrary consequences.Familiarity issue: Veteran players may recognize encounters, reducing the surprise element.Text size: The text on the cards is very small.
Personal Thoughts on Forest of Fate
Forest of Fate is ideal for parents looking to introduce their children to choose your own adventure books and RPGs, as well as for gamers who enjoy a blend of storytelling and strategic decision-making. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a fully cooperative experience or significant character progression. The game’s harsh and unpredictable nature makes it appealing to players who enjoy a challenge and are tolerant of narrative pain.
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