Wave (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Wave is a card game released in 2023 by KOSMOS. It is designed for 2-4 players and has a cooperative gameplay mechanic. The game is targeted for players aged 10 and above and has a runtime of around 25 minutes.

Game Components of Wave

Deck of cards with numbers and colors

Special color swap and number swap cards

Direction of play and color value card

Discard pile

How To Setup Wave

To set up Wave, separate the special color swap and number swap cards and place the direction of play and color value card face up on the table. Shuffle the rest of the deck, then deal three cards to each player to hold normally, and two more cards to each player to hold facing out so all other players can see them. Place the remaining deck face down in the centre of the table and flip over the top card to start the discard pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to play all their cards.

Card Placement: Players must play one card from their hand face up on top of the discard pile, beating the most recently discarded card either in number or color.

Color Hierarchy: Colors follow a specific order: White is the lowest, and Blue is the highest.

Blind Cards: Players cannot see all their cards but can receive suggestions from other players.

Variants: Include exchanging cards, changing color and number order, and a “Monster Wave” layout where cards are laid out in a wave pattern.

Objective: Play all cards to achieve a perfect score of zero remaining cards.

Player Experience

Wave offers a mix of strategy and teamwork. Players must communicate effectively to guide each other in playing the right cards, even though they cannot see all their own cards. The game requires some skill and strategy, especially to achieve a perfect score, but it can feel a bit too easy in standard play. The game’s variants, especially the “Monster Wave,” add a significant level of challenge and excitement.

Pros

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and communication.

Portable: Easy to carry and set up.

Variants: Offers multiple ways to play, adding replay value.

Thrilling Expert Variant: The “Monster Wave” variant provides a challenging and thrilling experience.

Cons

Ease of Play: Standard game can be a bit too easy.

Limited Complexity: The difference in effort between a good and perfect score is minimal.

Space Requirements for Variants: Some variants, like the “Monster Wave,” require more space and patience.

Personal Thoughts on Wave

Wave is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative card games and appreciate the combination of strategy and blind chance. It’s perfect for fans of The Mind and Hanabi, offering a fresh twist on familiar mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly complex game, it provides an entertaining and rewarding experience, especially with the more challenging variants.

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