Let Them Eat Shrimp! (2014) Board Game

Let Them Eat Shrimp! is a board game designed by Giorgio De Michele and released in in 2014. The game revolves around building an underwater ecosystem by strategically placing tiles to create the perfect environment for shrimp to thrive. With beautiful artwork by Dr. Finn’s Games, Let Them Eat Shrimp! offers a visually appealing experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Let Them Eat Shrimp!

Fish tiles in various geometric shapes

Fish eggs

Shrimp tokens

Shark tokens

Starfish tokens

Fish die

Player shields

Egg tokens

Multiple game board components for mixed and matched variety

How To Setup Let Them Eat Shrimp!

To set up the game, players choose the difficulty level and assemble the appropriate number of board pieces (2 for 2-3 players and 3 for more). Each player starts with a triangle-shaped fish tile, a player shield, 3 egg tokens, and 4 fish tiles of different shapes. These tiles and tokens are placed behind the player shield, with the remaining fish tiles kept nearby for easy access.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Fish Placement: Players place fish tiles to cover fish eggs, shrimp, starfish, or sharks on the board.

Spawning: Covering fish eggs allows players to gain more fish tiles.

Eating Shrimp: Covering shrimp spaces earns victory points.

Avoiding Sharks: Sharks can eat fish, fish eggs, and shrimp; players must roll the fish die to resolve shark encounters.

Starfish: Rolling the fish die after covering a starfish may gain a player a fish tile of their choice.

Game End: The game ends if all other players are knocked out, no legal space remains for a hexagon-shaped fish tile, or no more fish or shrimp are visible on the board.

Scoring: Points are awarded for sets of fish tiles and shrimp tokens; egg tokens can be used as wild tokens.

Player Experience

In Let Them Eat Shrimp!, players embark on a fun and strategic journey as fish trying to swim, spawn, and eat shrimp while dodging hungry sharks. The game offers two modes: a beginner’s game suitable for younger players and an advanced version that adds more complexity and danger. The advanced game introduces player mats that must be filled with specific fish tiles, increasing the challenge and potential for early knockout.

Pros

Variety and Replayability: Multiple board components allow for mixed and matched setups, enhancing replay value.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great game for family gatherings.

Dual Game Modes: Beginner and advanced versions cater to different skill levels and preferences.

Interactive Gameplay: Players interact with each other’s placements and the board, promoting strategic thinking.

Cons

Luck Element: The fish die roll introduces an element of luck, which may not appeal to players seeking pure strategy.

Component Management: Managing the various tiles, tokens, and board pieces can be cumbersome.

Simple for Experienced Gamers: The basic game might be too simple for experienced board game enthusiasts.

Personal Thoughts on Let Them Eat Shrimp!

Let Them Eat Shrimp is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted yet engaging game. The dual game modes ensure that both younger and older players can enjoy the game, each at their own level of complexity. While it may not offer the depth that hardcore gamers seek, it is an excellent addition to any family game collection, providing hours of entertaining and strategic gameplay.

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