Sonar (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sonar is a board game that was released in in 2017. It is designed by Xavier Gueniffey Durin, Ervin Sabrina Tobal, and published by Matagot. The game is categorized as a deduction, fighting, and nautical game, where players engage in line drawing, secret unit deployment, and team-based gameplay.

Game Components of Sonar

Maps: Four sets of maps in two team colors (blue and yellow) with different images on each side (archipelagos, volcanoes, etc.).

Clear Plastic Sheet: For the radio operator to track movements.

Raisable Markers: For marking paths and coordinates.

Rules: Detailed instructions for gameplay.

Cardboard Screen: To separate the teams and maintain secrecy.

Submarine Tokens: To represent the submarines on the map.

How To Setup Sonar

To set up Sonar, players choose a map for each team and place the cardboard screen down the center of the table to ensure teams cannot see each other’s actions. Each team receives a set of maps, markers, and the clear plastic sheet for the radio operator. In a two-player game, one player controls both mats for a team; in games with three or four players, the mats are split among the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Teams move their submarines around the map, marking their paths with dry-erase markers.

Sonar: The radio operator uses sonar to track the opposing team’s submarine by marking possible coordinates on the clear plastic sheet.

Torpedoes: Players can launch torpedoes up to four spaces away from their submarine to deal damage to the opposing team’s submarine.

Objective: The first team to deal two points of damage to the opposing team’s submarine wins the game.

Player Experience

Sonar is a game of cat and mouse where teams must navigate their submarines while trying to detect and destroy the opposing team’s vessel. The game is played in real-time, with players shouting out commands and reacting quickly to the other team’s actions. The radio operator plays a crucial role in tracking the enemy’s movements, while other players manage the submarine’s systems and make tactical decisions.

Pros

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand and start playing quickly.

Real-Time Action: Fast-paced and engaging gameplay with real-time interactions.

Strategic Depth: Requires strategic thinking and coordination between team members.

Cons

Limited Roles: Unlike Captain Sonar, Sonar does not have different roles for each player, which might reduce complexity but also variety.

Dependence on Teamwork: Requires good communication and teamwork, which can be challenging to coordinate.

Personal Thoughts on Sonar

Sonar is an excellent choice for those who enjoy real-time strategy and teamwork. It is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, interactive game that does not require extensive setup or complex rules. However, for players seeking more complex roles and deeper strategic mechanics, Captain Sonar, the more advanced version of this game, might be more appealing.

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