Skull King & Far Away –

Board games are in a golden age and offer a variety of experiences, from fast-paced social deception games to in-depth strategic adventures. Skull King and Faraway fall into very different categories, but both promise engaging gameplay, clever mechanics and high replayability. But do they deliver? Let’s dive in.

Skull King
Skull King, designed by Brent Beck, is a trick game that takes the classic mechanics of games like Spades or Hearts and ups them to eleven with added chaos, strategy and a little pirate flair. Players bid on the number of tricks they think they will win each round, and success depends on both skill and a little bluffing.

The game comes in a compact box, making it easy to take with you on the go. The art style has an appropriate pirate theme, with vivid illustrations and well-designed iconography. The cards themselves have a solid finish, ensuring durability over multiple play sessions. At its core, Skull King follows standard stroke mechanics: each player plays one card, the highest card of the main color wins the battle, unless a special ability intervenes. The twist? Players must predict exactly how many tricks they will win before the round begins. The more accurate their bid, the higher their score.

The deck introduces unique elements such as:

• Pirate cards – Trump any standard color card.
• Skull King – The ultimate Trump card, but with vulnerabilities.
• Escape Cards – Lets you avoid winning a battle, useful for strategic play.
• Mermaids and Special Powers – Certain cards counter pirates or the Skull King himself.

The best part of Skull King is how it evolves. Early rounds are low-key, but as more cards come into play, the excitement increases. Knowing how to manipulate bids, read your opponents and anticipate special cards is where the game really excels. It rewards experience without alienating newcomers, making it an excellent choice for mixed groups.

Skull King is a brilliant battle game that rewards smart play, bluffing and calculated risk-taking. It is fast-paced, fun and consistently delivers memorable moments. If you like classic card games, but want something with more personality and tactical choices, this is an easy recommendation.

Far Away
In stark contrast to the intense competition of Skull King, Faraway is a serene but strategic tableau-building game. Designed by Johannes Goupy and Corentin Lebrat, this game invites players to explore a mysterious archipelago, gather resources and make difficult choices about how to shape their journey.

Faraway’s production value is of the highest order. The artwork is breathtaking, with soft, dreamy landscapes that capture the essence of adventure and discovery. The iconography is clear, making the game accessible without feeling overwhelming. The cards have a beautiful linen finish, and the game’s inset keeps everything neatly organized. Faraway is all about drawing cards and creating tableaus. Each turn, players choose from a set of island cards and decide whether to claim their benefits immediately or strategically place them in their tableau for long-term bonuses.

Islands offer different paths to victory:

• Gathering resources – Essential for gaining new skills and points.
• Unlock special skills – Some islands offer persistent effects that shape your strategy.
• Score synergies – Faraway’s real magic comes from stringing together effects.

The balance between immediate rewards and long-term planning is what makes Faraway shine. Since the game ends after a certain number of rounds, every decision matters and efficiency is key. Despite its peaceful aesthetic, Faraway is highly strategic. Every choice affects your overall efficiency, and finding the right combinations can be very satisfying. Unlike heavier engine builders, Faraway keeps downtime to a minimum, making for a smooth and engaging experience.

Faraway is an excellent gateway game for fans of strategic tableau building. It is visually stunning, mechanically tight and delivers satisfying decision making without overstaying its welcome. If you like thoughtful, puzzle-like games that allow you to shape your own journey, Faraway is well worth playing.

Both Skull King and Faraway excel in their respective categories. If you’re looking for an energetic trick game with misdirection and excitement, Skull King is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxing but still deeply strategic experience, Faraway offers an elegant, meditative alternative. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your gaming preferences. Fans of trickmaking will love the competitive energy of Skull King, while fans of tableau-building will find Faraway a delightful addition to their collection. Either way, you can’t go wrong.