Air, Land & Sea (2019) Board Game

Air, Land & Sea is a two-player card game released in 2019 by Arcane Wonders. Designed by Jon Perry, the game is set during World War II and focuses on strategic decision-making in a fast-paced and compact format. The game features unique artwork by Valerio Buonfantino, Stephen Gibson, and Derek Laufman.

Game Components of Air, Land & Sea

3 Theater Boards (Air, Land, Sea)

18 Battle Cards (6 Air, 6 Land, 6 Sea)

2 Supreme Commander Cards (Red and Blue)

14 Score Markers (2 Gold Sixes, 6 Silver Threes, 6 Bronze Ones)

1 Rulebook.

How To Setup Air, Land & Sea

To set up the game, each player chooses a Supreme Commander Card and takes the corresponding Score Markers. The three Theater Boards are placed in the middle of the playing area. Each player is dealt a hand of six Battle Cards. The remaining cards are set aside and not used during the battle. The objective is to win the war by accumulating 12 victory points through a series of battles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Win the war by accumulating 12 victory points.

Battle Control: Control two of the three Theaters of war by having the total strength of your Battle cards exceed your opponent’s in those Theaters.

Card Play: Players take turns playing one Battle card at a time until all cards are played or a player decides to withdraw.

Card Types: Cards can be played face-up to trigger Tactical Abilities or face-down as wild cards with a strength of 2.

Withdrawal: A player can withdraw from a battle to deny their opponent complete victory and conserve strength for future battles.

Player Experience

Air, Land & Sea offers a quick, tense, and strategic gameplay experience tailored for two players. Each battle is a back-and-forth engagement where card sequencing and timing are crucial. Players must balance the use of Tactical Abilities with the need to maintain sufficient strength in each Theater. The game encourages strategic thinking and adaptability, making it engaging and replayable.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Battles are typically short, lasting around 20 minutes.

High Strategy: Requires careful planning and execution of card plays.

Replayability: Different card combinations and strategies ensure varied gameplay.

Simple yet Deep: Easy to learn but has layers of complexity for strategic players.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed exclusively for two players.

Luck of the Draw: The initial hand of cards can significantly influence the outcome of a battle.

Expansions: While expansions like *Spies, Lies & Supplies* add variety, they may not be necessary for all players.

Personal Thoughts on Air, Land & Sea

Air, Land & Sea is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a high degree of interaction and quick gameplay. It’s perfect for couples or friends looking for a competitive, yet swift, gaming experience. The game’s design ensures that each battle is unique, making it appealing to those who value replayability and strategic depth. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with larger player counts or more complex setups.

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