Castles by the Sea (2023) Board Game

Castles by the Sea is a board game designed by Marby Kwong and published by Brotherwise Games. It falls under the categories of abstract strategy, city building, and fantasy. The game is set in a world where players compete to build the most magnificent castles along the coast.

Game Components of Castles by the Sea

Wooden “sand” blocks

Adorable meeples (player pieces)

Player boards

Castle cards

Hazard cards and tokens

Seaweed tokens

Sand dollar tokens

Permanent block stones

How To Setup Castles by the Sea

To set up the game, players first choose three hazards out of six available and place them on the board’s edges. Each hazard has a matching deck of six cards, which is shuffled. Players receive their player boards, wooden bits, and a set of Castle cards. The main board consists of a 3×3 square of tiles, including an ocean tile in the middle and eight beach tiles surrounding it. Stones (permanent blocks) and seaweed tokens are placed on the board according to the setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Each turn consists of five steps – Gather, Build, Place, Score, and Hazard.

Gather: Collect sand blocks based on previous turn’s destroyed pieces.

Build: Place sand blocks on the board, ensuring each block touches another block built this turn.

Place: Position meeples and structures according to criteria on Player cards.

Score: Earn sand dollars for placed pieces.

Hazard: Move a hazard token and resolve its effects if triggered.

Hazards: Hazards are the only source of randomness and depend on player choices. They can destroy pieces or blocks, affecting scoring.

Castle Cards: Players aim to fulfill personal goal cards for additional scoring.

Objective: Build and populate a seaside kingdom, avoiding hazards to earn the most sand dollars.

Player Experience

Playing *Castles by the Sea* involves a mix of strategic planning and adaptability. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it suitable for both new and seasoned gamers. The constant changes to the board due to hazards and other players’ actions keep the game engaging and dynamic. The spatial component is critical, requiring players to optimize their 3D castle-building on a shared grid. The game supports 1-4 players, with the 4-player game being particularly engaging due to the frequent changes in the board state.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Combines puzzly spatial play with a delightful theme.

Replayability: Different hazards and Player cards ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Flexibility: Offers cooperative, solo, and competitive modes.

Visual Appeal: Beautiful and colorful components enhance the gaming experience.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 13+, with a family mode for cooperative play.

Cons

Rule Complexity: Some rules, especially regarding piece placement and hazard resolution, can be complex and require frequent referencing.

Swingy Outcomes: The game can be influenced significantly by the hazards, leading to somewhat unpredictable outcomes.

Challenge Variation: Some Castle cards are easier to achieve than others, potentially affecting game balance.

Personal Thoughts on Castles by the Sea

*Castles by the Sea* is ideal for fans of abstract strategy and puzzly games. It is particularly enjoyable with 4 players, as the dynamic board state and frequent interactions add a layer of excitement. The game’s design ensures close contests, making it appealing for those who enjoy strategic depth and a bit of luck. However, it may lack challenge at lower player counts, especially in 2-player games. Overall, it is a fun and visually appealing game that is great for both casual and serious gamers.

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