Deep Blue (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Deep Blue is a board game released in 2019 by Days of Wonder. Designed by Asger Harding Granerud and Daniel Skjold Pedersen, this nautical-themed game allows 2-5 players to dive into an underwater adventure. With a runtime of 45 minutes and a recommended age of 8 and up, Deep Blue offers players a unique combination of deck, bag, and pool building, hand management, and push your luck mechanics.

Game Components of Deep Blue

Player boards: Each player receives a player mat and starting cards in their chosen color.

Boats: Two boats per player to navigate the sea.

Crew cards: A starting deck of 4 cards and a market of additional crew members.

Wreck tiles: Six starting wreck sites and nine advanced wreck sites.

Gem bag: Contains various colored gems representing treasures and hazards.

Dive Site board: For resolving dives.

Treasure chests: For storing victory points (VP).

VP tokens: For tracking points.

Captain’s log scenario card: Adds an extra layer of challenge or theme.

How To Setup Deep Blue

To set up Deep Blue, create a market of Crew cards, shuffle and randomly distribute Wreck tiles across the board, and prepare the Gem pool. Each player gets a player mat, starting cards, two boats, and a treasure chest. Set the Dive Site board, Gem bag, and VP tokens off to the side. Select a starting player and deal out starting tokens accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck-building: Players hire Crew members to improve their diving abilities.

Hand management: Manage cards to sail, dive, and defend against hazards.

Push-your-luck: Draw gems from the bag during dives, risking hazards to gain rewards.

Game objective: The player with the most VP, earned from dive treasures and Crew card plays, wins the game.

Sailing: Move boats using Propeller icons on Crew cards.

Diving: Initiate dives at wreck sites, drawing gems and defending against hazards.

Resting: Refresh your hand by shuffling and drawing new cards.

Scouting: Anchor boats on wreck tiles to gain scoring benefits during dives.

Player Experience

Deep Blue offers a engaging experience with a balance of planning and luck. Players must strategically move their boats to optimal wreck sites, build their deck to enhance their abilities, and manage risks during dives. The game becomes more interactive with higher player counts, as players can join each other’s dives, adding a social element to the game.

Pros

Engaging gameplay: Combines deck-building, hand management, and push-your-luck elements.

High-quality components: Vibrant and clear board design, top-notch component quality.

Family-friendly: Suitable for a wide range of players, including families.

Interactive: Encourages player interaction, especially at higher player counts.

Cons

Luck factor: Gem draws can be unpredictable, affecting game outcomes.

Component heavy: While the components are high-quality, there are a lot of them to manage.

Simple core mechanics: May not be complex enough for experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Deep Blue

Deep Blue is perfect for those who enjoy light to medium-weight games with a mix of strategy and luck. It’s an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a fun, interactive experience. However, experienced gamers seeking complex mechanics might find it a bit too straightforward. The game’s nautical theme and beautiful components make it a visually appealing addition to any game collection.

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