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Fled: A Gripping Game of Gutsy Escape Review with Brad

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Review: Fled: A Gripping Game of Gutsy Escape.

Designer: MARK K. SWANSON

Solo Designer: Morten Monrad Pedersen
Artist: Klemens Franz
Publisher: Odd Bird Games
Year Published: 2024 (Currently available for Late Pledge, link at the bottom of this review)

No. of Players: 2-4
Ages: 14+
Playing Time: 45-80 minutes.
 
Find more info HERE.
Foreword:
I received this copy just before the KS campaign ended and as of writing this review, it has been successfully funded so congrats to their team and I wish you further success!
From the Publisher:
Plunge yourself into the intriguing world of 19th century captivity in this tactical card and tile escape game for 2-4 players.  Designed by Mark Swanson (of Feudum fame) and illustrated by renowned artist, Klemens Franz, FLED is based on a historic British fort turned island prison off the south coast of Ireland. The first prisoners were just young lads—many unfairly detained for infractions as minor as stealing a potato.
Disclaimer: The publisher provided the copy of Fled. The opinions expressed in the review are completely my own. 


Review:


Initial Impression/Components:

The game came to me fully finished. If there are any changes or if this was a prototype it certainly felt like a finished form and I was very pleased with the quality, look, and feel of the components, box, and insert.
Favorite:
The idea to collect contraband and exchange them for useful items was well executed. I thought that was an interesting layer to the game to assist in your possible escape.
Least Favorite:
I was not sold on the number of tiles that triggered game end. With 2 players, I played multiple games and never came close to escaping. I don’t think the game needed more tiles, rather had a reshuffle of remaining tiles once it ran out. Granted that might be too many tiles, but something along those lines. At higher player counts I don’t know how you’d succeed without it.
Mechanics:
– hand management
– modular board
– map addition
– tile placement
– race
– take that
– action points
Rules:
Areas they did well:
– thematic tie-in
– rotating safe zones
– cat-and-mouse play with wardens
– unique tool actions
– use of Areas such as how to collect contraband
– whistle movement as passing of time and significance of its location to the game.
– variable items required to escape
– balanced vp scale
– component quality
 
Areas they could have improved:
 
– game length / game end trigger
– empty space in game box under insert (could reduce size)
– perhaps a slight bonus to movement. Not as significant as a free move per turn but something to allow you to get more done.
Interesting moment:
Near the end of the game, I laid down the solitary confinement tile and sent my opponent there, which was a significant turn to the game. I also had the last tile to lay out father Lyon and visit the tile in my following turn. It was a decisive shift at the final few turns of the game and was easily the reason that I claimed victory in that session.
Overall:
I enjoy the difficulty rating and the cheeky attempt at an escape. I thought the way they tie together multiple aspects (rooms you visit, time of night, contraband and items you seek) to try and earn your freedom was great.
 
Final Thoughts:
I saw this rated as 14+ on BGG, but 10+ would have been my expectation based on my experience with it. All considered, they did a good job with this title and I enjoyed it!
I’ll see you next time, back here at The Game Table,
Brad Hiscock, aka Zerility

Here’s a link to the game on their website:

 
After reading Brad’s review, if this sounds like a game for you at the time of this posting Fled is available for Pre-Order for $40. Check it out and get yours HERE.

 

 

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Check out Fled and Odd Bird Games on:

              
 


Brad Hiscock, aka “Zerility”, is a construction project manager and electrician by trade who was the owner of a 6-time award winning electrical company. His passion for board games has led him from playing hundreds of original titles to creating a design and publishing company of his own, Convivial Games. As an up and coming collaborator on many projects, he is always eager to try new games and meet new people.

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All of Brad Hiscock, aka “Zerility”‘s reviews can be found HERE.

 

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