Freelancers: A Crossroads Game (2023) Board Game

Freelancers: A Crossroads Game is a cooperative adventure board game that was released in in 2023. Designed by Chris Bryan, Allison Carl, Sam Mameli, Sean McCoy, and Karl Stjernberg, this game falls into the categories of dice, fantasy, and worker placement. With its engaging gameplay mechanisms and deck-building elements, Freelancers offers players a unique gaming experience set in a fantasy world.

Game Components of Freelancers: A Crossroads Game

Character Sheets: Players mix and match species and job sheets to create unique characters, with over 153 character combinations available.

Funky Dice: Special dice used for skill checks and combat.

Location Book: A beautifully illustrated book featuring 24 different locations to explore.

Companion App: A browser-based app that handles storytelling, narration by professional voice actors, sound effects, and custom music.

Player Standees: Used to interact with the environment in the location book.

Tokens and Supplies: Used to manage risk, supplies, and follower encounters.

Job Titles and Titles Book: For tracking player achievements and titles earned during the game.

How To Setup Freelancers: A Crossroads Game

Setting up **Freelancers** is straightforward and requires minimal prep time. Players start by choosing a species and a job to create their unique character. The companion app guides the setup process, including explaining the rules and providing an interactive tutorial. Players then select one of the five available quests, each with its own map and branching paths. The app will direct players to the relevant sections of the location book and manage the narrative as the game progresses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Creation: Mix and match species and job sheets to create unique characters.

Companion App: Drives the game narrative, provides voice acting, sound effects, and music.

Skill Checks: Players roll dice to pass skill checks, with the ability to level up skills.

Exploration: Explore various locations using the location book and player standees.

Combat and Encounters: Engage in combat and other encounters, with outcomes determined by dice rolls and skill levels.

Risk Management: Manage risk levels by collecting supplies and followers.

Title System: Earn titles based on achievements and choices made during the game.

Objective: Complete the selected quest, gathering loot and earning titles while managing risk.

Player Experience

Playing **Freelancers** is a highly immersive experience, with the companion app delivering fully-voiced narratives and sound effects that bring the game to life. The game is designed for 3-7 players and each quest can be completed in about 2 hours. The gameplay is a mix of listening to the narrative and taking actions, such as rolling dice and making decisions. This blend makes it easy for players to drop in and out, as each mission is self-contained and can be saved for later.

Pros

Easy Setup: Minimal prep time required, with the app handling most of the work.

High Replayability: Hundreds of branching paths across five quests ensure each game night is different.

Unique Characters: Over 153 character combinations available.

Immersive Storytelling: Professional voice acting and sound effects enhance the game experience.

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to complete quests, with personal growth and group victory aligned.

Cons

Limited Player Actions: Some players may find stretches of the game where they are not actively engaged, as the app does most of the storytelling.

Dependence on App: The game relies heavily on the companion app, which might be a drawback for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Freelancers: A Crossroads Game

**Freelancers: A Crossroads Game** is ideal for those who enjoy fantasy RPGs but lack the time or inclination to commit to long campaigns. It’s perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a fun, cooperative gaming experience with minimal setup. The game’s unique blend of storytelling, character customization, and risk management makes it a great addition to any board game collection. However, players who prefer more frequent and direct action may find some segments of the game less engaging. Overall, it’s a great choice for those seeking a light-hearted yet immersive RPG experience.

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