Torpedo Dice (2021) Board Game

Torpedo Dice is a dice board game designed by Stéphane Escapa and released in in 2021. The game combines elements of dice rolling, open drafting, paper-and-pencil, and take that mechanics to create a unique nautical-themed gaming experience.

Game Components of Torpedo Dice

Player boards with control panels and enemy submarine grids

Training Board and Mission Mode boards

5 dice (2 used in solo mode, 5 for full 4-player mode)

Dry-erase pens with eraser caps

Small 8 x 6 inches (20 x 15 cm) game board

How To Setup Torpedo Dice

To set up the game, each player receives a player board featuring a control panel and a grid representing the enemy submarine. In solo mode, the Mission Mode board is used, which includes the solo automaton tracker. Players start with two dice in solo mode and five in multiplayer. The dry-erase pens are used to mark hits and system status on the boards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Drafting: Players roll dice and select one to use, while the other is assigned to the automaton in solo mode or another player in multiplayer.

Pip Placement: The pips on the dice are placed on a 3×3 grid to aim torpedoes at the enemy submarine.

System Management: Players can enable various systems (Periscope, Sail, Fins) to modify the dice rolls.

Hit Tracking: Mark off hits on the enemy submarine grid; repeated hits on the same spot disable enemy systems.

Objective: Sink the enemy submarine before your own is sunk.

Player Experience

Torpedo Dice offers a fast, fun, and engaging experience. The game is easy to understand, with a small board and minimal components, making it young player friendly. Players must optimize their hits, manage their systems, and exploit the opponent’s missed shots. The solo mode features a simple automaton to track, adding a challenging yet straightforward puzzle element.

Pros

Quick Games: Each game lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple and intuitive mechanics.

Minimal Components: No tokens, meeples, or cubes to keep track of.

Young Player Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+.

Erasable Board: Convenient for multiple plays.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May be too simple for experienced gamers.

Dependence on Dice Rolls: Success can be heavily influenced by dice rolls.

Personal Thoughts on Torpedo Dice

Torpedo Dice is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a quick, interactive roll-and-write experience. It’s a great introduction to strategic thinking and optimization, making it a solid choice for younger players. However, experienced gamers might find the game too straightforward and lacking in complexity. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging game that’s perfect for short gaming sessions.

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