These Five ‘Firefly’ Board Games Sure are Shiny
I’m a simple man. I like my spaceship clean. My crew unruly. And my board games based on the best live-action sci-fi western that deserved way more episodes.
I’ll be the first to admit I was surprised by how many different board games there are about Firefly / Serenity. Despite the actions of its creator, it’s still a great series. And these games are so good, you won’t be needing to go back to your bunk.
Firefly: The Game
The name couldn’t be more straightforward, but this Firefly board game from Gale Force 9 combines worker placement with dice rolling into a fun, strategic experience. Players choose their actions and reveal them simultaneously which can provide some bonuses based on their crew and dice rolls. Earn rewards through completing jobs to complete your various goals in order to become the best ship in the ‘Verse.
The Blue Sun expansion adds Rim Space, new Reaver threats, new jobs, leaders, gear, and more. If you’ve already got Firefly: The Game, Blue Sun is a must.
Firefly Adventures: Brigands and Browncoats
Firefly: Brigands and Browncoats is a cooperative story-based game where players take the role of the crew on Serenity. By working together, players need to complete multiple scenarios to move through the story, improving their skills along the way. Timing is important and players choose when their actions happen on the timeline. By managing resources, using dice to complete skill challenges, and facing off against enemies, players just might earn enough to keep their ship floating for one more day.
Firefly: Shiny Dice
Shiny Dice is a fast-paced game of rolling dice that captures the chaos of the Firefly universe. Players’ dice represent their crew, passengers, and the bad guys hunting them down. Each time they roll, they can choose which to reroll using supply cards. The goal is to match all the requirements to complete the mission, but any bad guy dice can cause a loss in supplies or one of your crew members being knocked out. Each round, players can push their luck for additional points, but will have to deal with any risks that come with those rewards.
Firefly: Misbehavin’
Playing the hero is great. But if Shephard Book is anything to go by, we’re not all always righteous. Firefly: Misbehavin’ lets players play as the Alliance, Blue Sun, Mal or even the Reavers! Each faction has their own unique starting deck that grows as the game plays. Play through “episodes” with pre-defined decks for a narrative experience, or “sandbox” and just make up your own decks for a more customized game.
Firefly Clue
Okay, maybe Firefly Clue isn’t really a Firefly game. But considering how important theme is in board gaming, this version of Clue might be more appealing to some. Even though the origin of Clue is pretty interesting. Plus, this is more of a collector’s item now. It can be tough to find, as evidenced by the price tag.
This doesn’t add any new mechanics or rules, but that just means you’re probably ready to jump in and play soon as you open the box. Figure out who helped the Alliance kidnap River, where they did it, and what they used to prevent her from killing them with her brain.
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