Flip Ships (2017) Board Game

Flip Ships is a cooperative dexterity game designed by Kane Klenko and published by Renegade Game Studios in in 2017. The game combines elements of action, science fiction, and variable player powers to create a unique gaming experience. Players take on the role of pilots defending their planet from an alien invasion by flicking ships onto enemy cards to destroy them.

Game Components of Flip Ships

Pilot Cards: Each player has a set of Pilot Cards (1, 2, and 3) that correspond to different ship levels.

Ships: Players start with two or three Level 1 ships, depending on the player count, and have additional ships placed on their Pilot cards.

Enemy Cards: A deck of enemy cards representing various alien threats.

Battle Zone: A board area where enemy cards are placed.

Docking Bay: A designated area for ships that fail to land in the Battle Zone.

Launch Pad: The edge of the table from which ships are launched.

First Player Marker: Used to determine the order of play.

How To Setup Flip Ships

To set up Flip Ships, start by arranging the Battle Zone according to the player count. Place the Pilot Cards on the left side of the play area with the First Player Marker and the Docking Bay. Each player selects a ship color and receives their starting ships. Shuffle the enemy cards to create a deck. Players position their ships on the edge of the table or Launch Pad, ready to be flipped into action.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to defend their planet.

Dexterity Mechanics: Players flip their ships to hit enemy targets.

Ship Launching: Ships must be launched from the edge of the table, complete a full rotation, and land in the Battle Zone to be effective.

Enemy Movement: Enemies move towards the city, trying to cause damage.

Pilot Card Effects: Ship effects are resolved based on the Pilot Cards associated with each ship level.

Objective: Destroy all enemy ships and prevent them from reaching the city.

Player Experience

Flip Ships is a fast-paced, action-packed game that combines physical dexterity with strategic teamwork. Players must coordinate their flips to maximize their chances of hitting and destroying enemy ships. The game is highly interactive, with each player’s turn building on the previous one, creating a dynamic and suspenseful experience.

Pros

High Replayability: The random placement of enemy cards and the unpredictability of ship flips ensure unique gameplay each time.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and communication among players.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players, while the dexterity element adds depth.

Dynamic Gameplay: Combines physical skill with strategic planning.

Cons

Luck Factor: The success of ship flips can be highly dependent on luck.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the arrangement of the Battle Zone and enemy cards.

Space Requirements: The game requires a significant amount of table space to accommodate the Launch Pad and Battle Zone.

Personal Thoughts on Flip Ships

Flip Ships is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a unique blend of physical dexterity and strategic planning. It’s a great choice for families or groups of friends who want an engaging and entertaining gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a purely strategic or competitive game, as the luck factor and physical elements are central to the gameplay.

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