FAQ

5 Wards

Q: A family-friendly game about being in a gang? How is that possible, dudes?

Crazy concept, right?! We certainly don’t condone gang violence, but we love the historical settings of Peaky Blinders and Gangs Of New York. There’s no blood in our game though, just some general “brawling” depicted in a light and silly way. The art and characters are colorful and fun, and the game flow is simple with just the right amount of tension and crunch – especially at the end!

Q: Why no crowdfunding for this one?

More craziness from us, perhaps. But after crowdfunding Joystick Heroes we thought we’d try doing all the same things that come with running a crowdfunding campaign (marketing, advertising, etc), pay for manufacturing up front, and bring the game to you faster. We hope you appreciate our madness.

Joystick Heroes

Q: Joystick Heroes rocks! What prompted you to make such a sweet game?

We agree, JH is pretty sweet. Having grown up in the 80’s and 90’s we wasted a good chunk of our teenage years at the mall arcade. Girls? No. Save the whales? No. Video games? Heck yeah!! So naturally we felt qualified to make a game about it. We’re glad you dig it, too.

Q: Wait, didn’t I see this game on Kickstarter?

Yes! Joystick Heroes started as a crowdfunding project in 2022. It successfully funded and was fulfilled/delivered within 6 months (pretty fast if we do say so ourselves). Now you can purchase the game directly from us here on our website.

Q: When I play a Premium (gold) game and don’t meet the level 2 requirement, do I lose everything?

Nope! When you pass a level, you permanently bank what you earn. So there’s no harm in trying for the next level. It’s not a press-your-luck situation.

Q: How do I get the high score on a Premium (gold) game?

As you know from the rulebook, passing level 2 lets you try for level 3, right? If you manage to pass level 3, nice work, pal – you get a few more tickets. BUT if your level 3 roll is so righteous that it ties or beats the High Score, you get those winnings instead. Only your level 3 score can get you the High Score. If you beat the High Score on your level 1 or level 2 roll, tough luck! You gotta beat it with your level 3 roll. It’s like reaching a final boss – nothing you did before matters.

Q: When a Game is played 3 times, or when I get a Game’s High Score, it’s replaced with a new Game from the deck. Since it’s technically a different game, can I stay there next turn to play it?

No, you always have to move to start your turn. That little 2×2 area of carpet doesn’t belong to you. Don’t bogart the machines, dude.

Q: All the Game cards show the duck Prize token. Can I take a different one?

Totally! Take any Prize you want, they’re all worth the same in the end.

Products & Shipping

Q: You sell games here on your website, but I also see them in stores and other places online. Where should I buy them?

We’re glad our games are available in lots of places, but buying directly from us on our site is always very much appreciated. It gives a larger percentage of the sale back to Frown Clowns, which helps us to keep making new games for you.

Q: I picked up one of your games. When I opened it, some of the components are jacked. What gives?

Dang, that sucks! Sometimes the manufacturer assembles a copy poorly or it gets slammed around during shipping. We hate when this happens. If it’s real bad,  contact us with a photo of the damage and we’ll be happy to send you replacement components.

Q: You’re just some website. Is it safe to send you money?

Heck yeah! Money’s cool and all, but we get the most satisfaction from knowing there are people out there in the world having fun with stuff we made. We also gotta get these boxes out of the west wing so we can start construction on the helipad.

Q: Do you ship products yourself or do you use a 3rd party distributor?

We do both. Some games are small enough to store here in the Clown House, while others require warehousing. In those cases we currently use Bridge Distribution. When your order comes in, they’re notified immediately so they can ship your stuff fast, and you’ll receive confirmation and a tracking number via email.

Q: Is VAT included in your shipping fee?

Not at this time, sorry. You’ll be responsible for paying VAT when you receive your shipment.

Company Practices

Q: How do you come up with your game ideas?

If you think about it, pretty much anything you do in life could be turned into a game. For example, how can I most efficiently plan out my garden, or get those TPS reports out? We like making games about things you WISH you could do, like playing in an 80’s arcade or being in a metal band. For us it’s a lot more fun to immerse yourself in a dream role, and the more fantastic the better.

Q: Do you have to be a nerd to design a board game?

Yes you do. It’s one of the requirements of the Board Game Design Coalition of the Universe. Any non-nerd who attempts it will be eliminated.

Miscellaneous Business

Q: Where, oh where are you tonight?

Why did you leave me here all alone? I searched the world over and thought I found true love. You met another and PPPPHHHT you were gone.