The Great Barrier Reef Card Game (2020) Board Game

The Great Barrier Reef Card Game is a board game that was released in in 2020. Designed by Rodd Lopes and illustrated by Travel Buddy Games, this game falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, Environmental, Nautical, and Puzzle. With a runtime of 15-45 minutes, it is suitable for players aged 14 and above and can accommodate 1-5 players.

Game Components of The Great Barrier Reef Card Game

Reef cards: Featuring various sea creatures like angelfish, parrot fish, clown fish, surgeonfish, emperor fish, sponges, tiger sharks, and the invasive crown-of-thorns starfish.

Scoring cards: Used to track points for different patterns.

Reference cards: For scoring and gameplay rules.

Fish tokens: To mark scoring patterns.

Number tokens: To guide card drawing.

Scoring markers: To track points.

1st player token: To determine the starting player.

How To Setup The Great Barrier Reef Card Game

Setting up the game is straightforward. Start by shuffling the stack of scoring cards and dealing out five. Each scoring card is paired with a fish token placed face up on top. Set the starting value of each pattern by placing a scoring token on the pink space of each scoring card. Shuffle the reef cards, deal three to each player, and place one face up in front of each of the four number tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Building the Reef: Players take turns placing cards from their hand face up onto their reef, ensuring each card covers at least one quadrant of an existing card.

Pattern Scoring: Arrange fish into one of five patterns selected at random at the beginning of the game to score points.

Card Drawing: Draw a new reef card based on the number in the center of the card played.

Adjusting Scores: Covering up sponges and tiger sharks allows players to adjust scoring markers.

Avoiding Crown-of-Thorns: Subtract points for visible crown-of-thorns starfish.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game, when the draw pile runs dry, is the winner.

Player Experience

The Great Barrier Reef Card Game offers a strategic and engaging experience. Despite its ease of setup and initial simplicity, the game requires thoughtful planning and adaptation. Players must balance building patterns, managing scoring adjustments, and avoiding detrimental sea creatures. The game’s portability and fast playtime (around 20 minutes) make it an excellent choice for travel or family bonding time.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers multiple layers of strategy, including pattern building and score adjustments.

Portable: Compact design makes it easy to carry and play anywhere.

Fast Playtime: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

Adaptable: Suitable for two to five players with adjustable complexity for younger players.

Educational: Introduces players to various sea creatures and the importance of reef health.

Cons

Learning Curve: Requires a thorough read of the rules to fully understand all elements.

Component Identification: Some players may find it challenging to identify certain sea creatures and sponges/corals.

Personal Thoughts on The Great Barrier Reef Card Game

This game is ideal for adults and older children who enjoy strategic tabletop games. Fans of games like Carcassonne will appreciate the similar tile-laying mechanics and strategic planning. The game’s theme, focused on building sustainable ocean reefs, adds an educational layer that is both fun and informative. It’s a great choice for travel due to its compact size and for family game nights due to its adaptability and engaging gameplay.

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