Air, Land, & Sea: Spies, Lies, & Supplies (2022) Board Game

Air, Land, & Sea: Spies, Lies, & Supplies is a card game designed by Jon Perry and published by Arcane Wonders in in 2022. The game is set during World War II and focuses on strategic card play and conflict resolution. With a runtime of 15-30 minutes, it is designed for 2-4 players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of Air, Land, & Sea: Spies, Lies, & Supplies

18 Battle Cards: Divided into three theaters – Intelligence (Spies), Diplomacy (Lies), and Economics (Supplies).

3 Theater Boards: For each of the new theaters.

2 Supreme Commander Cards: One for the first player and one for the second player.

2 Epic Mode Commander Cards: For the Epic Mode variant.

14 Score Markers: Including Gold Sixes, Silver Threes, and Bronze Ones.

14 Supply Tokens: Used by Economics cards to bolster other theaters.

1 Rulebook: Containing instructions for setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Air, Land, & Sea: Spies, Lies, & Supplies

To set up the game, each player is dealt a hand of six cards. The game includes three new theaters of war: Intelligence, Diplomacy, and Economics. Players choose which theaters to play with, either using the new theaters exclusively, mixing them with the original game’s theaters, or playing the Epic Mode with five theaters. The objective is to control two out of the three theaters by playing cards strategically. Each card has a strength value and a special ability that is triggered when played face-up in its corresponding theater.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

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

Theater Control: The player with the most strength in two of the three theaters wins the round. Strength is determined by the total value of cards played in each theater.

Special Abilities: Cards have unique abilities that can disrupt opponents or enhance the player’s own strength. Economics cards can add supply tokens to other theaters.

Epic Mode: Allows for a game with five theaters and hands of 10 cards, introducing more complexity and strategy.

Team Mode: Optional rules for 3-4 player variants are included.

Player Experience

**Air, Land, & Sea: Spies, Lies, & Supplies** offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. The new theaters introduce more complexity and variety, particularly with the Economics cards that can bolster other theaters. The game encourages players to think strategically about their card plays and to anticipate their opponent’s moves. The addition of the ‘reveal’ keyword enhances the espionage theme, allowing players to gain more information about their opponent’s hand.

Pros

Variety and Replayability: The game offers multiple ways to play, including mixing the new theaters with the original game, which increases replayability.

New Strategies: The introduction of new keywords and abilities, such as the ‘reveal’ keyword and supply tokens, adds depth to the gameplay.

Epic Mode and Team Mode: These variants offer more complex and engaging gameplay options.

Standalone or Expansion: Can be played independently or combined with the original game.

Cons

Increased Complexity: Some players may find the new mechanics more complicated than the original game, which could detract from the simplicity and directness that made the base game appealing.

Balance: Some cards may feel less impactful than those in the original game, leading to a slightly different feel in gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Air, Land, & Sea: Spies, Lies, & Supplies

This game is ideal for fans of strategic card games who enjoy quick, yet engaging matches. If you already own **Air, Land, & Sea**, the addition of **Spies, Lies, & Supplies** can refresh your experience with new theaters and mechanics. However, if you’re new to the series, starting with **Spies, Lies, & Supplies** could be a good option due to its standalone nature and the variety it offers. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that combines simple rules with deep strategic possibilities.

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