Kraken Attack! (2020) Board Game

Kraken Attack! is a board game designed by Antoine and Esteban Bauza, known for their work on popular games like 7 Wonders and Ghost Stories. Published by LOKI in 2020, Kraken Attack! puts players in the shoes of brave sailors defending their ship from a monstrous Kraken. With a nautical and pirate theme, this cooperative game has gained popularity among families and casual gamers.

Game Components of Kraken Attack!

1 Ship board

1 Kraken tracking board

1 Kraken figurine

8 Tentacle figurines

40 Action cards

4 Player Aid cards

6 Kraken dice

4 Pirate pawns

8 Ship’s rails

4 Hole tokens

3 Kraken Attack tokens

4 Whirlpool tokens

Rules in English, Spanish, French, and German.

How To Setup Kraken Attack!

Setting up the game involves placing the ship board in the center, positioning the Kraken tracking board nearby, and distributing the pirate pawns and ship’s rails. Each player receives a set of action cards and a Player Aid card. The Kraken dice and tentacle figurines are placed according to the initial setup instructions. The game is ready to play once all components are organized and the players understand their roles and objectives.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together against the Kraken.

Tower Defense: Players must defend the ship from approaching tentacles.

Dice Rolling: Kraken dice determine tentacle movement.

Card Play: Players use action cards to attack or repair the ship.

Special Abilities: Each pirate character has unique abilities.

Objective: Defend the ship from the Kraken’s attack and prevent it from sinking.

Player Experience

In **Kraken Attack**, players take on the roles of pirate characters, each with unique abilities. The game encourages cooperation and strategy as players coordinate their actions to push back the Kraken’s tentacles. The game is designed to be fun and engaging, with chunky plastic components and colorful illustrations. It is suitable for family game nights, lasting about 20 minutes per game. The dynamic nature of the game, with adjustable difficulty levels, ensures a varied experience with each play.

Pros

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and strategy.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children aged 7 and up, as well as adults.

Adjustable Difficulty: Allows players to customize the challenge level.

High-Quality Components: Colorful and durable game pieces.

Short Playtime: Games typically last 20 minutes.

Cons

Simple for Older Players: Some players may find the game too easy after multiple plays.

Instructions Can Be Complex: Initial setup and rules can be a bit confusing.

Limited Replayability for Experienced Players: The game may become repetitive after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on Kraken Attack!

**Kraken Attack** is an excellent choice for families looking for a fun and cooperative board game. It is particularly well-suited for younger players who are new to board games, as it introduces key mechanics like tower defense and cooperative play in an engaging and accessible way. For adults, it offers a light-hearted and quick gaming experience that is perfect for family game nights. However, experienced gamers might find it too simplistic after a few rounds. Overall, it is a great addition to any family game collection.

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