Houston, We Have a Dolphin! (2020) Board Game

Houston, We Have a Dolphin! is a board game released in 2020 by designer Andreas Wilde and published by HYBR. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, deduction, humor murder/mystery, and science fiction. The game involves betting and bluffing, hidden movement, and voting mechanisms, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Houston, We Have a Dolphin!

24 astronaut cards, including 12 engineers, 5 heroes, 2 dolphins, 1 captain, 2 observers, 1 doggo, and 1 microwave.

16 PANIC tokens.

1 spaceship board.

7 team badges.

1 Captain’s marker: Eagle.

1 overview: space walk combos.

1 rulebook.

The game also includes an app, available in German, English, Polish, Japanese, and Spanish, which requires a smart device with a front camera and Android version 7.0 or iOS 10 or later.

How To Setup Houston, We Have a Dolphin!

To set up the game, players first distribute the astronaut cards, ensuring each player controls a team of up to 4 astronauts. The spaceship board is placed in the center, and each player receives their respective team badges. The Captain’s marker and PANIC tokens are also prepared for use. The game includes a rulebook and an in-app tutorial to help players quickly understand the setup and gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must figure out who among them is a murderous dolphin.

Card Play: Players use their astronaut cards, each with different abilities.

Spacewalks: Human players attempt to repair the sabotaged spaceship while unaware if their companions are helping or hindering.

Captain’s Command: The Captain makes decisions that affect the crew members.

Panic Mechanic: Crew members can overthrow the Captain in a state of panic.

Objective: The goal is to either repair the spaceship or, if a dolphin, undermine the mission.

Player Experience

In Houston, We Have a Dolphin!, players are immersed in a suspenseful and interactive environment where they must constantly question the intentions of their teammates. The game encourages social interaction, strategic thinking, and a bit of paranoia, making it a fun and engaging experience for fans of social deduction games.

Pros

Interactive and Social: Encourages significant social interaction and deduction.

Varied Abilities: Each astronaut card has unique abilities, adding depth to the gameplay.

Easy to Learn: The in-app tutorial makes it easy for new players to join in quickly.

Multi-Language Support: The app supports several languages, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Cons

Requires Smart Device: Players need a smart device with specific requirements to play the game.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 3-5 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Language Dependency: While the app supports multiple languages, the physical content is only available in German and English.

Personal Thoughts on Houston, We Have a Dolphin!

Houston, We Have a Dolphin is ideal for fans of Among Us and other social deduction games. It offers a unique twist with the inclusion of a dolphin as the potential traitor, adding a humorous and unexpected element to the game. The game is perfect for small to medium-sized gaming groups looking for a fun, interactive, and strategic experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games that do not require smart devices or for larger gaming groups.

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