Crash Octopus (2021) Board Game

Crash Octopus is a fun and exciting board game released in 2021 by itten. Designed by Naotaka Shimamoto and illustrated by Yoshiaki Tomioka, this game falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity, Animals, and Fantasy. With a mix of dice rolling, flicking, and push your luck mechanics, Crash Octopus is suitable for players aged 7 and up.

Game Components of Crash Octopus

Octopus head and eight tentacles

Player ships and anchors

Flags for each player

Treasure pieces (five types: Captain, Goblet, Gold, Gem, Chest, Wine Bottle, Rose)

Ink Die

Octo-Counter with beads

String to define the ocean area

Optional expansions: Small Octopus, The Unknown Island, Pink Pirate.

How To Setup Crash Octopus

To set up, create an “ocean area” by forming a circle with a string. Place the octopus head in the center and arrange its tentacles around it. Set up the Octo-Counter with the crab token before the blue beads and the black beads at the end. Distribute the ship tokens and their anchors around the edge of the ocean area, giving each player a flag. Gather the treasure pieces according to the player count and drop them onto the octopus head to scatter them randomly around the ocean.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Flick Treasure: Use the flag to flick treasure pieces onto your ship, avoiding the closest piece to your boat.

Navigate: Flick the anchor to reposition your ship.

Octopus Attacks: Triggered when the Octo-Counter moves past a black bead, players drop the Ink Die onto the octopus head, which can cause the octopus to move or knock items off other players’ ships.

Game Objective: Collect all five types of treasure before other players do. The game ends when one player achieves this or the Octo-Counter reaches the end of the track.

Player Experience

**Crash Octopus** is a game that thrives on chaos and unpredictability. Players enjoy the flicking mechanics, which require different techniques for each type of treasure due to their varied shapes and sizes. The game is filled with laughter, especially during octopus attacks, where the randomness of the Ink Die adds an element of surprise. The game’s setup is quick and inviting, making it accessible to both children and adults. The bright and colorful design adds to the game’s playful atmosphere.

Pros

Bright and flat graphic design

Different techniques required for each treasure piece

Unpredictable gameplay with the dice bouncing differently every time

Simple setup and quick gameplay (20-30 minutes)

Suitable for both kids and adult gamers

Encourages laughter and social interaction.

Cons

Can be frustrating with overpowered or underpowered shots

Setup rules can be slightly imprecise

Limited strategic depth compared to heavier games.

Personal Thoughts on Crash Octopus

**Crash Octopus** is perfect for families, casual game nights, and even strategy gaming groups looking for a light, fun dexterity game. Its simplicity and quick gameplay make it an excellent addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy silly and chaotic experiences. The game’s ability to be played with 1-5 players, including variants for solo and five-player games, adds to its versatility. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a game that brings laughter and excitement to the table without requiring a significant time commitment.

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