10 Gallon Tank (2020) Board Game

10 Gallon Tank is a board game released in 2020 by Granna. Designed by David Smith and illustrated by Alex Pushkarev, this game is centered around animals and nautical themes. With a playtime of 15-20 minutes, it is suitable for 2-5 players aged 8 and up.

Game Components of 10 Gallon Tank

A deck of fish cards, each with unique point values and abilities

Full bleed artwork cards enhancing the thematic experience

No complex boards or tokens, keeping the game simple and portable

How To Setup 10 Gallon Tank

To set up the game, players start by laying out 16 fish cards in a grid. This grid forms the initial “school of fish” that players will split and choose from during the game. Each round consists of three phases: setting up the school of fish, splitting the school, and choosing schools.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Split-and-Choose Mechanic: Players take turns bisecting the school of fish along a column or row, creating smaller schools until each player has their own.

Drafting: After splitting, players choose one entire school of fish.

Variable Player Powers: Each fish card has different point values or effects, such as tetras increasing in value with more collected, and gouramis that eat other fish.

Game Objective: Score the most points by collecting the most valuable and strategically beneficial school of fish.

Player Experience

Players experience a dynamic and strategic game where each decision is informed by observing other players’ moves. The game encourages a balance between variety and strategic planning, as the score bonus system rewards diverse fish collections. However, the game can feel repetitive after multiple plays, lacking endgame goals or secret objectives that could add more variety.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers clever and engaging decisions.

Thematic Artwork: The full bleed artwork enhances the aquatic theme, making the game visually appealing.

Quick Gameplay: Perfect as a casual filler game lasting only 15 minutes.

Mechanically Clever: The split-and-choose mechanic is unique and engaging.

Cons

Repetitive: The game can feel samey after several plays.

Lack of Endgame Goals: No secret goals or dynamic endgame objectives to add variety.

Limited LONG-TERM Appeal: Works well as a filler game but may not keep players engaged for extended periods.

Personal Thoughts on 10 Gallon Tank

**10 Gallon Tank** is for fans of animal-based themes, lighter strategic games, and those who enjoy the unique split-and-choose mechanic. It is ideal for casual gamers looking for a quick, clever, and visually appealing game. However, players seeking more complex or dynamic long-term gameplay might find it lacking.

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