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Fleet: The Dice Game (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Fleet: The Dice Game is a board game that was released in 2018 by designers Ben Pinchback and Matt Riddle. It is a standalone dice game based on the popular card game Fleet, which was also designed by the same duo. The game is published by Eagle-Gryphon Games and falls under the categories of dice and nautical themes.

Game Components of Fleet: The Dice Game

  • Player sheets** for tracking progress and player powers
  • Dice** representing different types of fish (Shrimp, Cod, Lobster, Swordfish, and Oyster)
  • Pens or pencils** for marking the player sheets
  • Boat and Town phase dice**
  • License spaces** and various bonus action symbols on the player sheets
  • Solo mode components**, including Captain Ruth’s tracking sheet for solo play

    How To Setup Fleet: The Dice Game

    Setup involves each player receiving a player sheet and a writing instrument. The dice are divided into Boat and Town phases, with the number of dice rolled dependent on the number of players plus one. The game is played over 10 rounds, or 8 rounds in solo mode.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Dice Drafting: Players take turns selecting dice to mark on their player sheets.
  • Tableau Building: Players build their fleet and unlock licenses for different fish types, each offering unique bonuses.
  • Boat and Town Phases: Each round consists of two phases, with different dice and objectives.
  • Combo Engine: Players create combo chains using the drafted dice to maximize their points.
  • Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by efficiently managing your fleet and licenses.

    Player Experience

    In **Fleet: The Dice Game**, players take on the role of a Captain managing a fleet of fishing vessels in Ridback Bay. The game offers a deep strategic experience with simple yet effective mechanics. Players must strategically draft dice, considering what they take and what they leave for other players. The solo mode pits players against Captain Ruth, a challenging opponent that requires maximizing every roll to succeed.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth: Offers more complexity than typical roll-and-write games.
  • Player Agency: Players have significant control over their decisions and engine building.
  • Positive Feedback: The game rewards players with bonus actions and points for clever combos.
  • Solo Mode: A robust solo experience that challenges players to maximize their engine.
  • Portable: Easy to pack and play on the go.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players, especially with the numerous combo possibilities.
  • Variable Playtime: While the game is suggested to take 30 minutes, it can extend due to players min-maxing their engine.
  • Bookkeeping: Some players might find tracking all the combos and actions somewhat challenging.

    Personal Thoughts on Fleet: The Dice Game

    **Fleet: The Dice Game** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with deep combo mechanics. It is perfect for those who appreciate tableau building and dice drafting, and it works well both in multiplayer and solo modes. The game’s ability to balance simplicity in its core mechanics with complex strategic decisions makes it a standout in its genre. If you’re looking for a game that rewards clever planning and combo-building, **Fleet: The Dice Game** is an excellent choice.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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