You're right it is very swingy and can be super frustrating especially when all the rolls of the dice are either blanks or spend 2+ cards. BUT...I love it, the fact it's pretty compact so great if I'm away on business (not board gaming, honest!) and the design of the boxes where tge lids act as the game boards. Fantastic!
I’ve actually enjoyed playing this with other people more than solo. We had a table of three and it went so well. Bouncing ideas off of each other, making up names for the victims, succeeding and failing together. To me, this game works so well as a 2-4 player game. Just take turns rolling every round and everybody gets in on the fun.
I don't even like the horror genre but I love yall videos!! ❤ Even tho I don't enjoy the genre yall still manage to make it look and sound enjoyable! Would love to see more solo games videos from yall!!
Same here. While I've purchased a few games based primarily on these reviews, I watch all of them, even those for games I know I would never buy (like this one), just for the entertainment value. And aside from entertainment value, the reviews are concise, informative, and very balanced, highlighting both positive and negative elements of each game.
😂😂🥳🥳🥳🥳✌️ Awesome Review, as always. I‘d love to try it out, but not ready to commit to buy it haha😅 Also, I was rofling hard during the secret message 😂❤ All the love from Vienna ✌️
Also: I‘ve never watched horror movies as I was too scared of them anyways… So I don‘t know any tropes and stuff… wondering if the flavour can still hold up then
JG was struggling to remember that one, but we had a blast filming. Thanks for that Ramy! :D About the theme - I'm in a similar situation as you and haven't watched tons of horror movies, so the theme wasn't a big selling point. That said I still enjoyed all the details and the story it creates. /JT
I bought this twice and both times got frustrated with it.. not just the swingy gameplay but even the components and setup. In my mind I feel I should love it, and it bothers me that I really didn’t. Will I buy and try it a third time? Probably yes 😅🤦
Have heard a lot about this game lately. It's a rare "only solo" game. I have quite enjoyed watching it played on different channels. I would like to give it a try. But I expect I will be tired from the game very soon. And horrors is not my cup of tea. But if it will be localised there I would try one core set and a pair of final girls. Thank you for the review!
i was not a superfam of hostage negotiator so i dunno but i will probably try the alien one if i do...very sD ITS so swingy tho, thats a fatal flaw in game design i feel, like great ideas that is not always pulled off well it sounds like...
As a horror movie fan I was very excited when I heard about this game, the concept is so fun. But then I realised it was for solo players. 😢 I can never bring myself to play solo games. Especially if it involves upkeep and dice rolling. Hope they come up with a multiplayer version in the future.
To be fair, I think it is very streamlined when it comes to upkeep and keeping a track of everything. But understandably solo games aren't for everyone!
I wasn't a big solo player as well. What sold me was Hadrian's Wall.. a game that has almost 0 upkeep and it was great. Final Girl could be similar for you especially if you enjoy the theme. /JT
To see what the whole Final Girl fuss was about, I bought the core box and the "beginner-level" feature film, Camp Happy Trails. After two games, it's a hard sell for me. The first game I got trounced with the killer having about half his health left, but the next was extremely easy and I won handily. I can't stand games that have this much swinginess in outcomes to them. The die rolls make the game extremely sensitive to a win or loss direction, so if you hate dice-driven games, stay FAR away from this one. In addition, the item cards are grossly unbalanced. In the second game, I got an axe, which has a 2-damage modifier. That's HUGE! If you find that, your chances of winning go up by more than 50% at least. The rest of the item cards have a smattering of 1-damage weapons and a lot of general items without damage modifiers. So the randomness of the item deck is also swingy, in addition to the dice. Another point that speaks to the high sensitivity of the game moving in either a win or loss direction is the fact that if you forget one tiny rule or forget to first take health away from a minor dark power card (for example), that's truly game-breaking. This element is absolutely atrocious in board game design, I can't stress this enough. I'd much rather play a board game where a very minor rule that you miss won't upset the game entirely. In Final Girl, BOY is that not the case! When the game chugs along, you'll likely have cards in different places with their own little rules on them to keep track of, which isn't good at all because you can easily end up missing them. Again, if you fail to notice one little, teensy-weensy rule on a card, you could literally either falsely win or lose in 1 round. Then when you catch the mistake, you can't possibly redo what you did before. Overall, I can only recommend this game if you love and want one of the most thematic board games in existence today and are willing to overlook the gameplay mechanics and luck-driven nature of the game, admittedly with a hint of strategy thrown in. That's pretty much it. The theme really shines through, and I really believe that the theme is what tends to blind people to the extreme luck-driven nature of the game and its very *fatal* flaws (pun intended). My final verdict: 2 stars out of 5.
I love the idea of this game, but I hate the production. This game is a huge cash grab. This game could be made and sold in a much more cost effective way. When you buy a “feature film”, it has almost nothing in this huge box.. it’s a huge box with like 20 cards.. the entire production was done all to sell the game to you the same way video games sell you micro transaction. This game could have been made and sold all included for $50-$60, but they’re preying on peoples FOMO and collective nature to scalp $200+ from people.. Also, when I beat a monster, I felt more or less done with that game. I felt a sense like I had completed that box and I didn’t much care to try that monster with a different hero(final girl) because the “Final Girls” are pretty much all the same. What, they have a different picture and a different unlockable weapon? That doesn’t do much. They could have made it 1 final girl in a big box of all the monsters, sold it all together, then charged a significantly lower price. This pricing model is becoming more and more common and it’s ruining the hobby… Last, the game is not different enough to justify its 10 different expansions. Each game is almost the same, no matter which box you get.. why are there 10? Because people want to collect things and the company is capitalizing on FOMO. All things considered, it’s a ok game, but buy Hostage Negotiator Career. It’s more exciting, there’s more content, and it’s significantly cheaper.
This… almost all of it is untrue. The Final Girls differ in health, selected bonuses when saving victims, and in their special abilities, as well as their special weapons. This is indisputable to anyone who’s played all the sets. All the movies are the same? Okay… a serial killer stalks people with a sledgehammer in a campground is the same as a poltergeist terrorizing people in a haunted mansion, which is the same as a trio of home invaders, which is the same as a Freddy Kruger style villain, an Alien style scenario, etc. Yeah, right. Each film nails a theme perfectly… and they’re all very different. 10 very different killers, 10 very different locations across the 10 films. And mixing them up can be very fun. As for cost effectiveness, well that’s a matter of opinion more than the other points. The core box for $20.00 and each film at $20.00 additional isn’t too bad, IMO, but I get a lot of fun out of them. If you don’t, well, then it’s not enough for too much money. Fair enough. The other criticisms are provably false, though.
@@interstellardave All my points are true; you’re obviously not looking at the game objectively. There’s a difference between a board gamer and a collector. You’re obviously a collector, trying to justify their purchase. First, yes, the Final Girls are mostly the same. There’s some differences between them, but it’s not much. There’s definitely not enough difference to justify selling 2 “new” final girls in a $20 expansion box. I’ve played 3 of the feature films and I can barely tell a difference between the 6 final girls I’ve played. Sure, this one gains an extra time when you save an additional victim, but that’s a meaningless and small bonus that shifts the game only a tiny amount. That’s not a difference, that’s a gimmick. “This final girl has one more health than the other final girl, they’re completely different!” Sure, Bud. Sure… Second, besides the theme, all the feature films are pretty much the same. You walk around, you save victims, you gear up to fight the monster. That process is great, but it’s not worth buying any expansions where you’re doing that same thing. Sure, they all have some gimmick like you have 5 cards telling you if you’re asleep or not, but an expansion needs to be more than a theme and some slapped on gimmick to change to justify a $20 price tag. “Woh, this monster has a different name and a different background picture for the map we’re on! This is completely different!” Nope. You’re doing 95% the same thing in each expansion box. I have no idea how you’re justifying this one, but throw away your money, if you want. I’ve mixed the up the serial killers and the final girls and it feels no different. That’s because all the final girls are pretty much the same and all the different scenarios feel pretty much the same (once you get past the different theme). I can’t wait till you look at the 10-15 boxes on your shelf, taking up an extreme amount of space, and realize you haven’t played them in over a year because they’re all the same. You could easily invest all that money into different games and have an actual robust collection full of unique experiences, or you can spend $200+ and a huge portion of your shelf space on this one experience with 10 slightly different flavors of vanilla. Pretty easy decision, IMO.
@@MrSomebunny Well then… I’ll tell anyone reading this exchange to take what I’ve said, and what you’ve said, and ignore all of it. Do your own research, folks, and I believe you’ll realize that my statements are closer to the truth. Doesn’t mean the game is enjoyable for everyone-no game is-but your criticisms are ones I haven’t heard from very many people, even those who determine it’s not for them. I’m not denying your experience, I just don’t understand it! Take care, and enjoy Hostage Negotiator… which I don’t like as much as this, but I haven’t delved into the career yet. I plan to soon.
I like how the boxes sideways looks like the old school VHS movies, pretty cool for the theme
You're right it is very swingy and can be super frustrating especially when all the rolls of the dice are either blanks or spend 2+ cards. BUT...I love it, the fact it's pretty compact so great if I'm away on business (not board gaming, honest!) and the design of the boxes where tge lids act as the game boards. Fantastic!
The insert concept is really unique and well made! We'll need to consider it for the best game to travel with video.
This game is amazing. I love Horror films and this is right up my alley.
Sure is.
@@BoardGameHangover I may not always be in the mood to play it, but what it does is so unique and fun. Lovely stuff. I have all of it now.
Finally, I now think that I will need to try it out myself. Thank you for the review!
Glad you enjoyed it! And you should try it out :)
Been waiting for this review for ages!!
Hope you enjoyed it!
I’ve actually enjoyed playing this with other people more than solo.
We had a table of three and it went so well. Bouncing ideas off of each other, making up names for the victims, succeeding and failing together.
To me, this game works so well as a 2-4 player game. Just take turns rolling every round and everybody gets in on the fun.
Thanks for the recommendation!
This is a great idea. Will have to try with my kids ;) /JG
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll have a try!
Let us know how you like it when you do
Great review with both very valid views!!! Thanks!
I don't even like the horror genre but I love yall videos!! ❤ Even tho I don't enjoy the genre yall still manage to make it look and sound enjoyable! Would love to see more solo games videos from yall!!
Same here. While I've purchased a few games based primarily on these reviews, I watch all of them, even those for games I know I would never buy (like this one), just for the entertainment value.
And aside from entertainment value, the reviews are concise, informative, and very balanced, highlighting both positive and negative elements of each game.
We really appreciate your kind words! Thank you! :)
Like your approach to rating and presenting bgames
Can't wait to try it out!
You should!
this review convinced me to go get the game, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! ☺️
Glad we could help! :)
How are you liking it?
😂😂🥳🥳🥳🥳✌️
Awesome Review, as always. I‘d love to try it out, but not ready to commit to buy it haha😅
Also, I was rofling hard during the secret message 😂❤
All the love from Vienna ✌️
Also: I‘ve never watched horror movies as I was too scared of them anyways… So I don‘t know any tropes and stuff… wondering if the flavour can still hold up then
JG was struggling to remember that one, but we had a blast filming. Thanks for that Ramy! :D About the theme - I'm in a similar situation as you and haven't watched tons of horror movies, so the theme wasn't a big selling point. That said I still enjoyed all the details and the story it creates. /JT
Congrats with 17 k!
Thanks!
This one of best reviews seen of the game!
Thanks so much!
I bought this twice and both times got frustrated with it.. not just the swingy gameplay but even the components and setup. In my mind I feel I should love it, and it bothers me that I really didn’t. Will I buy and try it a third time? Probably yes 😅🤦
Have heard a lot about this game lately. It's a rare "only solo" game. I have quite enjoyed watching it played on different channels. I would like to give it a try. But I expect I will be tired from the game very soon. And horrors is not my cup of tea. But if it will be localised there I would try one core set and a pair of final girls. Thank you for the review!
I have the core box, but which expansion was your favourite? Need to buy one when back in stock!
From season one we'd say you can't go wrong with Carnage at the Carnival or Frightmare on Maple Lane.
"Final" seems not to be a word anymore lol
What do you think is a must have box in the Final Girl Universe?? Can you make a recommendation ?
I would like to say, go for the one that is influenced by the movie you like best. My personal favorites are Maple Lane and Panic at Station 2891. /JG
@@BoardGameHangover thank u for the feedback. By the way: like your channel very much. 👍🏼.
And we your comments ;)
i was not a superfam of hostage negotiator so i dunno but i will probably try the alien one if i do...very sD ITS so swingy tho, thats a fatal flaw in game design i feel, like great ideas that is not always pulled off well it sounds like...
As a horror movie fan I was very excited when I heard about this game, the concept is so fun. But then I realised it was for solo players. 😢 I can never bring myself to play solo games. Especially if it involves upkeep and dice rolling. Hope they come up with a multiplayer version in the future.
To be fair, I think it is very streamlined when it comes to upkeep and keeping a track of everything. But understandably solo games aren't for everyone!
I'm not a solo player really - this is the only solo game I own and I have EVERYTHING for it. It's worth looking into
I wasn't a big solo player as well. What sold me was Hadrian's Wall.. a game that has almost 0 upkeep and it was great. Final Girl could be similar for you especially if you enjoy the theme. /JT
that's just stupid
The preview picture gives me hard Willem Dafoe vibes
I was going for Jack Nickolson, but I will take it! ;)
@@BoardGameHangover that was my second thought. Just brilliant - like the review! Keep on shining
great review of a game that’s not for me!
It won't be for everyone that's for sure
I wasn't interested in the themes from Season 1 at all but I just got four from season 2
To see what the whole Final Girl fuss was about, I bought the core box and the "beginner-level" feature film, Camp Happy Trails. After two games, it's a hard sell for me. The first game I got trounced with the killer having about half his health left, but the next was extremely easy and I won handily. I can't stand games that have this much swinginess in outcomes to them. The die rolls make the game extremely sensitive to a win or loss direction, so if you hate dice-driven games, stay FAR away from this one. In addition, the item cards are grossly unbalanced. In the second game, I got an axe, which has a 2-damage modifier. That's HUGE! If you find that, your chances of winning go up by more than 50% at least. The rest of the item cards have a smattering of 1-damage weapons and a lot of general items without damage modifiers. So the randomness of the item deck is also swingy, in addition to the dice.
Another point that speaks to the high sensitivity of the game moving in either a win or loss direction is the fact that if you forget one tiny rule or forget to first take health away from a minor dark power card (for example), that's truly game-breaking. This element is absolutely atrocious in board game design, I can't stress this enough. I'd much rather play a board game where a very minor rule that you miss won't upset the game entirely. In Final Girl, BOY is that not the case! When the game chugs along, you'll likely have cards in different places with their own little rules on them to keep track of, which isn't good at all because you can easily end up missing them. Again, if you fail to notice one little, teensy-weensy rule on a card, you could literally either falsely win or lose in 1 round. Then when you catch the mistake, you can't possibly redo what you did before.
Overall, I can only recommend this game if you love and want one of the most thematic board games in existence today and are willing to overlook the gameplay mechanics and luck-driven nature of the game, admittedly with a hint of strategy thrown in. That's pretty much it. The theme really shines through, and I really believe that the theme is what tends to blind people to the extreme luck-driven nature of the game and its very *fatal* flaws (pun intended). My final verdict: 2 stars out of 5.
I love the idea of this game, but I hate the production. This game is a huge cash grab. This game could be made and sold in a much more cost effective way. When you buy a “feature film”, it has almost nothing in this huge box.. it’s a huge box with like 20 cards.. the entire production was done all to sell the game to you the same way video games sell you micro transaction. This game could have been made and sold all included for $50-$60, but they’re preying on peoples FOMO and collective nature to scalp $200+ from people..
Also, when I beat a monster, I felt more or less done with that game. I felt a sense like I had completed that box and I didn’t much care to try that monster with a different hero(final girl) because the “Final Girls” are pretty much all the same. What, they have a different picture and a different unlockable weapon? That doesn’t do much. They could have made it 1 final girl in a big box of all the monsters, sold it all together, then charged a significantly lower price. This pricing model is becoming more and more common and it’s ruining the hobby…
Last, the game is not different enough to justify its 10 different expansions. Each game is almost the same, no matter which box you get.. why are there 10? Because people want to collect things and the company is capitalizing on FOMO.
All things considered, it’s a ok game, but buy Hostage Negotiator Career. It’s more exciting, there’s more content, and it’s significantly cheaper.
This… almost all of it is untrue. The Final Girls differ in health, selected bonuses when saving victims, and in their special abilities, as well as their special weapons. This is indisputable to anyone who’s played all the sets.
All the movies are the same? Okay… a serial killer stalks people with a sledgehammer in a campground is the same as a poltergeist terrorizing people in a haunted mansion, which is the same as a trio of home invaders, which is the same as a Freddy Kruger style villain, an Alien style scenario, etc. Yeah, right. Each film nails a theme perfectly… and they’re all very different. 10 very different killers, 10 very different locations across the 10 films. And mixing them up can be very fun.
As for cost effectiveness, well that’s a matter of opinion more than the other points. The core box for $20.00 and each film at $20.00 additional isn’t too bad, IMO, but I get a lot of fun out of them. If you don’t, well, then it’s not enough for too much money. Fair enough. The other criticisms are provably false, though.
@@interstellardave All my points are true; you’re obviously not looking at the game objectively. There’s a difference between a board gamer and a collector. You’re obviously a collector, trying to justify their purchase.
First, yes, the Final Girls are mostly the same. There’s some differences between them, but it’s not much. There’s definitely not enough difference to justify selling 2 “new” final girls in a $20 expansion box. I’ve played 3 of the feature films and I can barely tell a difference between the 6 final girls I’ve played. Sure, this one gains an extra time when you save an additional victim, but that’s a meaningless and small bonus that shifts the game only a tiny amount. That’s not a difference, that’s a gimmick. “This final girl has one more health than the other final girl, they’re completely different!” Sure, Bud. Sure…
Second, besides the theme, all the feature films are pretty much the same. You walk around, you save victims, you gear up to fight the monster. That process is great, but it’s not worth buying any expansions where you’re doing that same thing. Sure, they all have some gimmick like you have 5 cards telling you if you’re asleep or not, but an expansion needs to be more than a theme and some slapped on gimmick to change to justify a $20 price tag. “Woh, this monster has a different name and a different background picture for the map we’re on! This is completely different!” Nope. You’re doing 95% the same thing in each expansion box. I have no idea how you’re justifying this one, but throw away your money, if you want.
I’ve mixed the up the serial killers and the final girls and it feels no different. That’s because all the final girls are pretty much the same and all the different scenarios feel pretty much the same (once you get past the different theme). I can’t wait till you look at the 10-15 boxes on your shelf, taking up an extreme amount of space, and realize you haven’t played them in over a year because they’re all the same. You could easily invest all that money into different games and have an actual robust collection full of unique experiences, or you can spend $200+ and a huge portion of your shelf space on this one experience with 10 slightly different flavors of vanilla. Pretty easy decision, IMO.
@@MrSomebunny Well then… I’ll tell anyone reading this exchange to take what I’ve said, and what you’ve said, and ignore all of it. Do your own research, folks, and I believe you’ll realize that my statements are closer to the truth. Doesn’t mean the game is enjoyable for everyone-no game is-but your criticisms are ones I haven’t heard from very many people, even those who determine it’s not for them. I’m not denying your experience, I just don’t understand it! Take care, and enjoy Hostage Negotiator… which I don’t like as much as this, but I haven’t delved into the career yet. I plan to soon.
I don’t like this game, i feel the same it’s brutal and swingy and NO fUN AT ALL for me consequently
Still pretty dumb having to "buy" the core set which you cannot play by itself. Hard pass for me.