Near and Far (2017) Board Game

Near and Far is a board game designed by Ryan Laukat and published by Red Raven Games in in 2017. It is a sequel to Laukat’s previous game, Above and Below, and continues the theme of exploration and storytelling in a fantasy world. The game received positive reviews for its unique combination of adventure, exploration, and resource management mechanics.

Game Components of Near and Far

11 different maps

Atlas of spiral-bound world maps

Storybook with narrative encounters

Player boards and character cards

Resource tokens (coins, gems, food)

Equipment and item cards

Faction tokens

Dice

Camp and trade route tokens

Bandits, living statues, and rusty robots (threat tokens)

Scorepad (not included, but necessary for scoring).

How To Setup Near and Far

To set up Near and Far, players start by preparing the town area, where they collect resources such as coins, gems, and food. Each player chooses a character and equips themselves with necessary items and allies. The game comes with multiple maps, and each session uses a different one. Players place the map, set up their player boards, and distribute the initial resources. The storybook and encounter cards are also prepared for the narrative elements of the game. The setup varies slightly depending on the chosen play mode, such as arcade mode, character mode, or the full campaign mode.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Narrative Choice / Paragraph

Network and Route Building

Open Drafting

Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game.

Game Objective

Players aim to find the Last Ruin, a city containing an artifact that grants the greatest desires of the heart.

Collect resources, recruit adventurers, and complete quests.

Set up camps, gain resources, defeat threats, and explore story locations.

Win by scoring the most points, primarily from artifacts and completed quests.

Player Experience

In Near and Far, players embark on a journey filled with storytelling and strategic decision-making. The game offers flexibility with multiple play modes, including a campaign mode that spans 10 sessions, each on a different map. Players must manage resources, fight off threats, and make narrative choices that shape their adventure. The game’s narrative elements are enhanced by a storybook that provides unique encounters and choices, making each playthrough memorable. However, some players have noted that the cooperative aspect can feel a bit undercooked, and the gameplay, while engaging, can sometimes feel clunky.

Pros

Flexible Play Modes: Offers campaign, character, and arcade modes to cater to different play styles.

Rich Storytelling: The storybook provides a unique narrative experience with each play.

Resource Management: Engaging resource collection and management system.

Exploration: Each session features a new map with unique art and adventures.

Character Development: Characters have distinct stories and goals.

Cons

Clunky Cooperative Experience: Some players find the cooperative mode lacking, with repetitive battles and disjointed story beats.

Missing Scorepad: The game does not include a scorepad, which is necessary for tracking scores.

Somewhat Repetitive: Some elements, like battles, can feel repetitive and dull.

Personal Thoughts on Near and Far

Near and Far is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and storytelling. It is particularly suited for those looking for a light to medium-weight RPG experience that can be played in single or multi-session formats. However, it may not appeal to heavy euro gamers seeking complex mechanics or those who prefer deeply integrated cooperative gameplay. For fans of Above and Below, Near and Far offers more of the same world and mechanics but with additional depth and variety. Despite some minor drawbacks, it remains a solid choice for those who appreciate narrative-driven games with a strong focus on exploration and character development.

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