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Hands in the Sea (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Hands in the Sea is a wargame set in ancient times, focusing on the conflict between Rome and Carthage during the First Punic War. Designed by Jamie Noble-Frier and Naomi Robinson, the game was released in 2016 and has gained popularity among board game enthusiasts for its strategic gameplay and historical theme.

Game Components of Hands in the Sea

  • Deck of cards** representing military units, events, and strategies
  • Player boards** for Rome and Carthage
  • Tokens and markers** for tracking resources and progress
  • Rulebook** (noted for being complex and sometimes confusing)

    How To Setup Hands in the Sea

    To set up the game, each player selects a side, either Rome or Carthage, and begins with a starter deck. Players place their respective player boards on the table and shuffle their decks. Each player draws a starting hand of cards, and the game begins with the Roman player taking the first turn. The setup is relatively straightforward, but the complexity lies in understanding the roles of different cards and how they interact.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Deck-building: Players expand their decks by acquiring new cards representing various military units, naval vessels, and strategic actions.
  • Resource management: Players must manage resources to play cards and execute actions.
  • Area control: The objective is to gain supremacy over key areas in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Warfare: Engage in naval and land battles to defeat the opponent.
  • Historical events: Cards can trigger historical events that affect gameplay.

    Player Experience

    Hands in the Sea offers a deep and complex gaming experience, particularly appealing to fans of historical wargames and deck-building mechanics. The game requires strategic planning and resource management, making each game session engaging and challenging. However, the learning curve is steep due to the intricate rules and the detailed rulebook.

    Pros

  • Historical accuracy: The game is meticulously researched and stays true to the historical context of the First Punic War.
  • Deep strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.
  • Replayability: Multiple strategies and card combinations ensure high replay value.
  • Competitive: Designed for competitive two-player matchups.

    Cons

  • Complex rulebook: The rules can be confusing and daunting for new players.
  • Long gameplay: Games can be lengthy, requiring a significant time commitment.
  • Steep learning curve: Not ideal for casual or beginner gamers.

    Personal Thoughts on Hands in the Sea

    Hands in the Sea is for gamers who enjoy strategic depth, historical themes, and the challenge of complex gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who are fans of deck-building and wargames, and are willing to invest the time to learn and master the game’s mechanics. While it may not be the best choice for new or casual gamers, it offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate its intricacies.

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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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