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Ahoy (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Ahoy is a board game released in 2022 by Leder Games. Designed by Greg Loring-Albright and illustrated by Kyle Ferrin, Ahoy is set in a fantasy world of nautical adventures and pirate shenanigans. With a mix of area majority, tile placement, and worker placement mechanics, Ahoy offers players a strategic and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Ahoy

  • Player boards** for each faction (Bluefin Squadron, Mollusk Union, Smugglers)
  • Dice** for action resolution
  • Region tiles** for the ocean map
  • Faction-specific components** (ships, forts, Plan cards)
  • Crew cards** offering various abilities
  • Cargo cards** for the Smugglers
  • Coins** for modifying dice rolls

    How To Setup Ahoy

    Setting up Ahoy involves creating the ocean map by placing region tiles, distributing faction-specific components, and preparing the crew and cargo card decks. Each player chooses a faction and receives their respective player board and starting components. For games with three or four players, the Smugglers faction is added, with each Smuggler player having their own ship and scoring their own victory points.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Area Control: Bluefin Squadron (Sharks) and Mollusk Union compete for controlling regions on the map, using dice placement on their personal boards to trigger actions.
  • Pickup and Deliver: Smugglers collect cargo cards from specific islands and deliver them to other destinations, earning points.
  • Dice Placement: Players use dice to execute generic and faction-specific actions.
  • Plan Cards: Mollusk Union uses these cards to trigger unexpected ambushes or bring additional ships into play.
  • Crew Cards: Provide new abilities such as hopping between islands or ignoring damage.
  • Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate 30 Fame points, with the player having the most points declared the winner.

    Player Experience

    Playing Ahoy feels dynamic and strategic, especially with the asymmetric factions. The game comes to life with the addition of the Smugglers in three or four-player games, introducing a pickup-and-deliver element that contrasts with the area control mechanics of the other factions. Each faction has a unique playstyle: the Bluefin Squadron uses brute force, the Mollusk Union employs strategic card play, and the Smugglers focus on cargo delivery and speculation.

    Pros

  • Asymmetric Factions: Each faction offers a distinct gameplay experience.
  • Accessible Complexity: The game is relatively easy to learn, with a smooth ruleset.
  • Exploration: Players explore and build the map, discovering new locations and loot.
  • Strategic Depth: Decisions revolve around strategic deployment and resource management.
  • Short Playtime: Games typically last between 1 to 1.5 hours.

    Cons

  • Randomness: The cargo card market can feel too random, impacting strategic intentions.
  • Smuggler Mechanics: Playing with two Smugglers can feel awkward and less streamlined.
  • Speculation Mechanics: The Smuggler pledge mechanic can be volatile and luck-dependent.
  • Limited Deck: The shared deck of 30 crew cards may not be sufficient for games with 3-4 players.

    Personal Thoughts on Ahoy

    Ahoy is ideal for players who enjoy asymmetric gameplay and a blend of area control and pickup-and-deliver mechanics. It’s a great option for those who appreciate strategic depth but also value accessibility and a relatively short playtime. While it may not be as intricate as other Leder Games titles like *Root*, Ahoy offers a unique and engaging experience that caters to different player preferences. However, the game’s full potential is realized with three or four players, making the two-player version somewhat less dynamic.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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