Dive (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Released in 2021, Dive is an exploration board game designed by Romain Caterdjian and Anthony Perone. Published by Sit Down!, Dive is a game that allows 1-4 players to dive into the depths of the ocean in search of treasure and adventure. With a playtime of 20-30 minutes, Dive is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Dive

Transparent ocean cards

Diver tokens

Gem tokens

Shark tokens

Oxygen tokens

Companion animal cards (e.g., sea turtles, dolphins)

Rulebook

Optional variants and companion animal powers

How To Setup Dive

To set up the game, players first prepare the deck of transparent ocean cards, which are layered to simulate the depth of the ocean. Each player chooses a diver token and places it at the surface level. The gems, sharks, and companion animals are distributed according to the rules. Players also receive oxygen tokens to manage their diving capacity.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Play: All players dive simultaneously.

Visual Perception: Players observe the layered transparent cards to identify gems, sharks, and companion animals.

Push Your Luck: Players must balance diving deeper to find gems with managing their oxygen levels.

Companion Animals: Certain animals can help players dive deeper or avoid sharks.

Objective: Be the first player to collect 23 points by retrieving gems while avoiding sharks.

Player Experience

In **Dive**, players are immersed in an underwater world where their sense of observation and strategic thinking are crucial. The game requires careful planning and quick decision-making, as players need to avoid disturbing sharks and manage their oxygen levels effectively. The inclusion of companion animals and various variants adds replay value and flexibility.

Pros

Unique Transparency Mechanic: The use of transparent cards creates a visually engaging and immersive experience.

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

Variants and Expansions: Includes rules for solitaire play, children’s variant, and additional companion animal powers.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last 20-30 minutes.

Cons

Rule Complexity: Some players find the rules, especially those related to dark water and companion animals, a bit complex and hard to remember.

Differentiation Issues: Players may struggle to differentiate between top-level elements on the transparent cards, which can impact scoring.

Limited Depth for Adults: Adults might find the game lacking in challenge and depth.

Personal Thoughts on Dive

**Dive** is an excellent choice for families and younger players who enjoy light, visually appealing games. The game’s unique mechanics and thematic elements make it a great introduction to more complex board games. However, for adult players seeking a more challenging experience, **Dive** might fall short, feeling more like a filler game rather than a main event. Despite this, its production quality and the variety of game modes make it a solid addition to any family game collection.

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