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At the Helm (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

At the Helm is a solo board game designed by Marty Cobb and Kelelowor, released in in 2022. It falls under the category of card games and print & play games, with a nautical theme. The game is published by Button Shy and is designed for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of At the Helm

  • Base Game:** Includes a vinyl wallet containing the core deck.
  • Lazarette Expansion:** Adds 6 new market cards.
  • Port Amalga Expansion:** Introduces 2 new market cards and a new card type, Location Cards, which offer additional bonuses or threats.

    How To Setup At the Helm

    To set up the game, you start with a basic deck and select three challenges to complete. The challenges, market cards, and your starting deck are all part of the initial setup. The game is designed to be quick to set up, making it ideal for time-constrained play sessions.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Deck Building:** Build your deck over several turns to complete challenges.
  • Challenge Resolution:** Choose 1 or 2 cards from your hand each turn to resolve their abilities or discard them.
  • Health and Time Management:** Manage your health and avoid running out of time or cards.
  • Objective:** Complete the three selected challenges before your health reaches zero or the deck and market run out of cards.

    Player Experience

    At the Helm offers a highly portable and visually appealing experience, with great artwork and a well-designed ruleset. The game is easy to grasp, with a quick setup and playtime of about 15 minutes.

    Pros

  • Portable:** Great for traveling due to its compact size.
  • Easy to Learn:** Well-written rules and quick setup.
  • High Replayability:** Varied challenges and deck-building options.
  • Engaging Theme:** Heavy nautical theme inspired by old ship logs.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor:** Some elements of the game can be influenced by luck, which may make the experience slightly unpredictable.
  • Proofreading Issues:** Some players have noted minor typos in the rules and cards.
  • Limited Complexity:** The game can become less challenging after multiple plays, although expansions can add more complexity.

    Personal Thoughts on At the Helm

    At the Helm is ideal for solo players who enjoy deck-building mechanics and are looking for a game that is both portable and quick to play. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a nautical theme and the challenge of managing resources and health. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it a great addition to any solo gamer’s collection. However, for players seeking more complex gameplay, the expansions such as Lazarette and Port Amalga can provide additional depth and variety.

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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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