Rivals: Masters of the Deep (2015) Board Game

Rivals: Masters of the Deep is a fantasy board game released in in 2015. Designed by Michael Anderson, Alain Viesca, and Chris Yarbrough, this game is set in a nautical world where players take on the roles of powerful sea creatures competing for control of the ocean depths. With stunning artwork by World of Rivals LLC, Rivals: Masters of the Deep offers a unique and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Rivals: Masters of the Deep

Miniatures: Representing the four factions, each with unique designs and themes.

Rulebook: 16 pages, designed to be rules-light for ease of play.

Game Board: Depicting the underwater realm of Lurk.

Various Tokens and Accessories: For tracking player progress and game state.

How To Setup Rivals: Masters of the Deep

Setting up the game involves preparing the game board, distributing the miniatures and tokens among the players according to their chosen factions, and ensuring each player has the necessary rulebook and accessories. The setup is designed to be straightforward, allowing players to quickly dive into the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tactical Miniatures Combat: Players engage in strategic battles using their miniatures.

Faction Abilities: Each faction has unique abilities and strengths (e.g., Cog Nation – precision, Nautilus – speed, Ancients – control, Low Clans – mass).

Objective: The goal is for one faction to gain supremacy over the others in the underwater realm.

Playtesting: Extensive playtesting was conducted, including blind playtesting with students and local game groups.

Player Experience

**Rivals: Masters of the Deep** offers an immersive and fun experience, particularly appealing to those new to miniature games due to its rules-light design. The game encourages players to explore the unique world of Lurk and create their own stories through gameplay. The beautiful and detailed miniatures help draw players into the game, making it accessible without the need for a lengthy manual.

Pros

Immersive World: The steampunk, nautical theme creates a rich and unique environment.

Accessible Rules: The 16-page rulebook makes it easy for new players to jump in.

Detailed Miniatures: High-quality miniatures that enhance the gameplay experience.

Extensive Playtesting: Ensures a balanced and enjoyable game.

Cons

Balancing Challenges: The addition of new factions required significant effort to maintain balance.

Feedback Overload: The designers experienced a high volume of feedback from backers, which was both beneficial and challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Rivals: Masters of the Deep

**Rivals: Masters of the Deep** is ideal for fans of tactical miniatures games and those drawn to steampunk and nautical themes. It is particularly suitable for players looking for a game that is fun and immersive without the complexity of more intricate miniature games. The game’s design caters well to both new and experienced players, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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