Fleet (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fleet is a card game that was released in 2012 by designers Ben Pinchback and Matt Riddle. The game is published by Eagle-Gryphon Games and falls under the categories of Card Game and Nautical. It is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 10 and above. With a runtime of 30 to 45 minutes, Fleet offers players a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Fleet

Playing cards that can be used as boats, captains, or money.

Large cards that are fishing licenses, allowing players to launch boats of specific types and providing unique abilities.

Wood cubes representing crates of fish.

How To Setup Fleet

To set up Fleet, each player starts with a handful of starting cards. The license cards are shuffled and a small set is auctioned off to the players. Each player must bid on these licenses using their cards, which can be used for various purposes such as money, boats, or captains. Once the licenses are distributed, players can begin launching boats by placing boat cards in front of them and assigning captains to these boats.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding: Players bid on fishing licenses.

Card Management: Cards serve multiple purposes (boats, captains, money).

Engine-Building: Players build their fleet and enhance it with licenses and captains.

Resource Management: Managing crates of fish and processing them.

Game Objective

The objective is to acquire the most victory points by managing resources effectively, launching boats, capturing fish, and utilizing licenses and captains to maximize points.

Player Experience

In Fleet, players experience a mix of strategic planning and resource management. The game starts with an auction phase where players bid on licenses, each offering unique abilities. As the game progresses, players launch boats, assign captains, and collect fish. The game requires careful planning and efficient use of cards, which can be challenging but also rewarding. The game feels a bit repetitive in the middle rounds but remains engaging due to the variety of strategies and combinations of licenses and captains.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers in-depth decisions and thrilling gameplay.

Versatile Cards: Cards can be used in multiple ways, adding complexity and strategy.

Unique Licenses: Each license provides distinct abilities, allowing for diverse strategies.

Quick Gameplay: Typically lasts between 35 and 50 minutes.

Cons

Rule Clarification: Some rules, such as the Launch and Captain phase, can be confusing.

Repetitiveness: The middle rounds can feel a bit repetitive.

Player Interaction: Can be slow with AP-prone players due to the many options available.

Personal Thoughts on Fleet

Fleet is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games and engine-building mechanics. It fits well in a collection alongside games like Azul, Sagrada, and Nova Luna, offering a balance of complexity and playtime. The game is suitable for both new and experienced gamers, providing a fun and challenging experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly interactive or very short game, as it requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

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