Feed the Kraken (2022) Board Game

Feed the Kraken is a board game released in 2022 by Funtails. Designed by Maikel Cheney, Dr. Hans Joachim Höh, and Tobias Immich, the game combines elements of deduction, fantasy, and hidden roles set in a nautical theme. Players take on the roles of sailors aboard a ship trying to feed the Kraken before it devours them all.

Game Components of Feed the Kraken

Game board

Role cards with asymmetric powers

Ship miniatures

Mutiny rolls

Navigator and first mate selection components

Various tokens and cards for navigation, rewards, and ship management.

How To Setup Feed the Kraken

Setting up Feed the Kraken involves distributing role cards to players, each belonging to one of three different factions. Players need to navigate their ship towards a final destination, which is complicated by the divided loyalties among the players. The setup is relatively quick, taking about 5 minutes to orient new players, after which the game can be learned through play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must figure out who is on their side and who is against them.

Asymmetric Roles: Each player has unique abilities and goals.

Mutiny Rolls: Mechanic for resolving conflicts and making key decisions.

Navigator/First Mate Selection: Players choose who will lead the ship.

Board Game Elements: Incorporates traditional board game mechanics like strategy and resource management.

Objective: Navigate the ship to the final destination while dealing with internal factions and potential mutinies.

Player Experience

Feed the Kraken offers a dynamic and interactive experience that combines social deduction with traditional board game elements. Players enjoy the strategy and role-playing aspects, as well as the shorter game duration of about 45 to 60 minutes. The game is more approachable and suitable for groups with lower player counts, though it can accommodate up to 11 players.

Pros

More Board Game-Like: Unlike pure deduction games, Feed the Kraken includes meaningful board game mechanics.

Approachable: Suitable for players who are not socially dominant or talkative.

Balanced Roles: Asymmetric roles with unique powers add depth to the game.

Shorter Game Time: Games typically last between 45 to 60 minutes.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and role combinations ensure varied experiences.

Cons

Table Room: The game requires significant table space.

Learning Curve: While setup is quick, understanding all the mechanics may take some time.

Group Dependency: Optimal experience varies with player count, best with 8-11 players.

Personal Thoughts on Feed the Kraken

Feed the Kraken is ideal for groups looking for a balanced mix of social deduction and traditional board game elements. It’s great for those who want a more structured experience compared to pure social deduction games. The game is cheaper and more accessible than some of its counterparts, making it a great addition to any board game collection. It’s particularly recommended for groups that can’t always gather in large numbers, as it plays well with lower player counts, although it shines with higher numbers up to 11 players.

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