Friday: Box Cover Front
Friday - All components of the Rio Grande Games English edition - Credit: rexbinary
Friday - Defeating the second pirate to win the game! - Credit: kilroy_locke
Friday - I defeated the first pirate, succumbed to the second.  - Credit: felipe1982
Friday - Second game 1st Success! - Credit: Muse23PT
Friday - Ooof! - Credit: Newsh
Friday - Final battle - Credit: magic_erwt
Friday - First round - Credit: magic_erwt
Friday - Setup - Credit: magic_erwt
  1. Friday: Box Cover Front
  2. Friday - All components of the Rio Grande Games English edition - Credit: rexbinary
  3. Friday - Defeating the second pirate to win the game! - Credit: kilroy_locke
  4. Friday - I defeated the first pirate, succumbed to the second.  - Credit: felipe1982
  5. Friday - Second game 1st Success! - Credit: Muse23PT
  6. Friday - Ooof! - Credit: Newsh
  7. Friday - Final battle - Credit: magic_erwt
  8. Friday - First round - Credit: magic_erwt
  9. Friday - Setup - Credit: magic_erwt

Friday Review

'Friday', a solo adventure game, has me hooked! The steep learning curve turns into a rewarding journey. Despite its reliance on luck, the strategic depth and replay value shine. It's a solo gamer's treasure I highly recommend.
  • Solo Play Experience
  • Difficulty and Learning Curve
  • Game Mechanics and Balance
  • Replay Value
4.8/5Overall Score

'Friday' stands out as a top solo board game, blending strategy, replayability, and challenge in a compact, engaging adventure.

Specs
  • Number of players: 1
  • Playing Time: Approximately 25 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 13+
  • Game Type: Solo, Strategy, Deck Building
  • Designer: Friedemann Friese
  • Theme: Survival, Adventure
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to High
Pros
  • Strategic depth
  • High replay value
  • Balanced challenges
  • Engaging solo play
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited player interaction
  • Can feel repetitive
Disclaimer: Clicking our links may result in us earning enough for a new pair of dice, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur board game hustlers.

Overview

Strap in for an adventure on your lonesome because today, we’re diving deep into the world of ‘Friday‘ with this review. This solo board game isn’t just about surviving on an island; it’s about thriving through tough love from its gameplay. I’ve gathered my thoughts, played it more times than I can count with imaginary friends (don’t judge), and now, I’m here to spill the beans. Is ‘Friday’ the solo board game that will keep you entertained for hours, or will it make you wish for the company of an actual Friday night crowd? Let’s find out.

How It Plays

So, you’re stuck on a desert island and your only goal is to survive. Sounds like a blast, right? Well, that’s ‘Friday’ in a nutshell. I’ve spent quite a few evenings trying to beat this game and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. Here’s the lowdown on setting it up, diving into gameplay, and how you might just win this beast of a game.

Setting up

Starting off, ‘Friday’ is a breeze to set up. You just shuffle the Robinson decks and the hazard deck. Place them on their respective spots on the table. Don’t forget your life points; these are crucial! In my first game, my friends and I forgot those and wondered why the game felt impossible. Pro tip: Don’t be like us.

Gameplay

Gameplay is where ‘Friday’ gets its charm. Each turn, you’re fighting hazards with the cards you draw. You’re basically trying to outsmart the game by building a better deck as you go. And trust me, it’s harder than it sounds. The game’s a solo challenge, so it was just me, my wits, and occasionally yelling at the cards. You win or lose fights, gain more cards, and hopefully get stronger. But beware, the game gets tougher as you go.

Winning the game

Okay, the big finish. To win ‘Friday’, you gotta defeat two pirate ships at the end. Sounds easy? Well, it’s not. You need a strong deck and a bit of luck. My winning strategy? Hoard those life points like a dragon with its gold. You’ll need them. Winning feels like a big achievement. When I finally beat those pirates, I might have done a victory lap around my living room.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Friday.

Solo Play: A Deep Dive into ‘Friday’

When you think solo board games, you might imagine a dull afternoon with just you and some cardboard. Not with ‘Friday’! This game turns solo play on its head, offering an adventure where you’re not just playing against the game but also racing against your own previous high scores. Diving into ‘Friday’, I found myself stranded on an island as Robinson Crusoe, desperately battling pirates and improving my survival skills. The beauty of ‘Friday’ lies in its simplicity and its depth. It’s easy to pick up but offers a challenging puzzle that had me coming back for more, trying to outdo my last playthrough. The game’s mechanics are a breath of fresh air, focusing on deck-building and strategic thinking rather than leaving it all to chance. It proves that playing by yourself doesn’t have to be a lonely affair; on the contrary, it’s as engaging as it gets.

Now, let’s sail from the solo shores to the turbulent seas of ‘Friday’s difficulty and learning curve.

Friday - All components of the Rio Grande Games English edition - Credit: rexbinary

Navigating the Challenge: ‘Friday’s’ Difficulty and Learning Curve

Friday, at its heart, is a game that doesn’t shy away from challenging its players. As a solo adventure, it begins with a deceptive simplicity: stranded on a deserted island, your goal to help Robinson survive against all odds. However, as you delve deeper, the difficulty curve spikes, revealing the game’s true colors. The learning curve is steep, but it’s a fulfilling one. Each playthrough teaches you something new about strategic planning and adapting your tactics.

While some may find the sudden increase in difficulty daunting, it’s this very aspect that fuels the replay value of Friday. The game demands attention and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. As you progress, you’ll find strategies that work better than others, and each loss is a lesson leading to eventual mastery. The satisfaction of overcoming what once seemed an insurmountable challenge is a reward in itself.

But let’s not forget that at the core of these challenges lies the game mechanics and balance, which we’ll dive into next.

Friday - Defeating the second pirate to win the game! - Credit: kilroy_locke

Mastering Mechanics and Finding Balance in Friday

When it comes to ‘Friday,’ the game mechanics are a well-oiled machine designed to test your survival skills. At its core, ‘Friday’ is a deck-building game where you, the player, help Robinson Crusoe navigate through a series of challenges and battles. Each decision affects future gameplay, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and adaptation. The balance in ‘Friday’ is finely tuned, ensuring that while the game is challenging, it remains fair. Players need to manage their deck efficiently, removing weaker cards and acquiring stronger ones to overcome the increasing difficulty of challenges. This balancing act between risk and reward is what makes ‘Friday’ a standout, offering a deep and satisfying solo gaming experience.

The intrigue of ‘Friday’ doesn’t just stop with its mechanics and balance; next, we’ll sail into the tumultuous seas of replay value.

Friday - I defeated the first pirate, succumbed to the second.  - Credit: felipe1982

Why ‘Friday’ Should Be Your Go-To Solo Game for Endless Fun

Let’s dive into what makes Friday standout when we talk about replay value. First, you might think a solo game gets old fast, right? Wrong! Each playthrough of Friday feels like a fresh challenge. The randomization of threats and the different strategies you can employ keep it spicy. One day you’re outsmarting pirates, and the next, you’re managing your deck like a pro to deal with those pesky wild animals.

Never the Same Game Twice

With a variety of difficulty levels, Friday pushes you to adapt and evolve. There’s always a new tactic to try, or a past mistake to learn from, which means boredom hasn’t found its way to this island. Every game ends, leaving you pondering your next strategy, eager to dive back in. This isn’t just a game; it’s a brain teaser that grows with you.

In conclusion, Friday lands a solid spot as a recommended game in my book. Its replay value alone makes it a winner for any solo gamer out there searching for a lasting adventure.

Friday - Second game 1st Success! - Credit: Muse23PT

Conclusion

Wrapping up this island adventure, ‘Friday’ stands out as a solo gaming gem. It throws you into a challenging yet rewarding survival scenario, asking you to manage resources and build a strategic deck as you face off against increasingly difficult hazards. The steep learning curve may intimidate at first, but conquering its challenges brings immense satisfaction. Despite its reliance on strategic thinking, ‘Friday’ ensures a fair balance between skill and the luck of the draw, making each victory feel earned. Its high replay value promises that no two games are the same, offering endless hours of engaging gameplay. All in all, ‘Friday’ is an excellent choice for anyone looking to test their mettle in solo board gaming. And with that, we conclude our review of ‘Friday’. May your survival skills lead you to victory!

4.8/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.