Ferox (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ferox is a 2-player board game released in 2015, designed by Ryan Sheffield. It falls under the categories of adventure, card game, fighting, and horror, with gameplay mechanics including area majority/influence, deck-building, dice rolling, and hand management. The game is set in a dark and mysterious world where players must battle against each other to claim dominance.

Game Components of Ferox

140 cards (sized 63.5 x 88mm)

Resource pool

Player-specific decks and components for the film crew and the native tribes

How To Setup Ferox

To set up Ferox, each player selects their respective deck and components. The film crew player prepares their deck and resources, aiming to escape the hostile jungle. The native tribes player sets up their deck and resources, intent on eliminating the invaders. Players also manage a shared resource pool, which is crucial for executing their strategies. The setup involves careful card drafting and hand management to ensure each player is ready to engage in the brutal battle ahead.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetrical Gameplay: One player controls the film crew, while the other plays the native tribes.

Card Drafting: Players draft cards to build their decks and strategies.

Hand Management: Effective use of cards in hand is crucial for success.

Resource Management: Players manage a shared resource pool to execute their actions.

Game Objective: The film crew must escape the jungle, while the native tribes aim to destroy the film crew.

Player Experience

Playing Ferox immerses players in a tense and brutal environment where survival is the only goal. The game demands strategic thinking, as players must outwit each other through careful card selection and resource management. The asymmetrical nature of the game ensures that each side has unique challenges and opportunities, adding depth to the gameplay.

Pros

High Tension and Strategy: The game offers a highly strategic and tense experience due to its asymmetrical design and resource management mechanics.

Immersive Theme: The game’s theme, inspired by cannibal exploitation films, creates a vivid and intense atmosphere.

Deep Gameplay: The combination of card drafting, hand management, and resource management provides a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

Cons

Obscure Availability: The game failed on Kickstarter and had limited self-publishing runs, making it hard to find.

Complex Setup: The game requires careful setup and explanation, which can be challenging for new players.

Graphic Content: The game’s theme and content may be too intense for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Ferox

Ferox is a game for those who enjoy intense, strategic gameplay and are not deterred by graphic themes. It is ideal for players who appreciate asymmetrical game designs and are looking for a challenging 2-player experience. However, due to its obscure availability and complex setup, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking lighter themes.

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