Nautilus Island (2023) Board Game

Nautilus Island is a card game designed by Clément Masson and illustrated by Funnyfox. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2-4 players, with a recommended player count of 2. The game falls under the categories of card game, exploration, and nautical themes, with gameplay mechanics such as end game bonuses, race, set collection, and turn order: claim action.

Game Components of Nautilus Island

Game board featuring a submarine

Card stacks with six different colors and corresponding symbols

Bonus tokens for each card color

Porthole tokens in stacks of descending value

Castaway player tokens

Yellow treasure cards

How To Setup Nautilus Island

To set up Nautilus Island, unfold the game board and shuffle all the cards. Count out stacks of cards based on the number of players, placing them on the submarine according to the columns indicated by the player count. The symbols on the board dictate whether these stacks are placed face-up or face-down. Place the bonus tokens near the board, face down, choosing five and placing one at each of the camp spaces. Separate the porthole tokens by card count and arrange them into stacks, placing each on its designated space on the board. Each player chooses a castaway token, and the person who most recently took a boat ride becomes the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players move their castaway to a column and choose to either collect the top card from each stack or store cards in their camp.

Set Collection: Players group cards in their camp into sets by color, with yellow cards being treasure cards kept hidden until scoring.

Bonus Tokens: Players collect bonus tokens when storing cards, which determine scoring conditions.

Porthole Tokens: Players can close a set by taking a porthole token, sealing the set for the remainder of the game.

Game Objective: The goal is to collect and organize cards into sets to maximize points. The game ends when one column in the submarine is empty, and players score their sets based on the bonus tokens, porthole tokens, and treasure cards.

Player Experience

Nautilus Island offers a engaging and straightforward gameplay experience, perfect for families and new gamers. The game is relatively short, lasting about 20 minutes per play. Players must balance decisions on when to take cards, play cards to their camp, and close out sets, which is particularly rewarding for younger players as they develop their strategic thinking.

Pros

Simple and Clear Rules: Easy to learn and understand.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Quick Playtime: Games last approximately 20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic thinking and planning.

Adjustable Player Count: The game adjusts well for 2-4 players.

Cons

Luck Element: Drawing face-down cards introduces an element of luck.

Abstract Theme: Despite the thematic setup, the gameplay is fairly abstract.

No Solo Mode: The game does not have a solo player option.

Personal Thoughts on Nautilus Island

Nautilus Island is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a game that combines simple rules with strategic depth. It’s particularly good for younger players as it helps them develop their decision-making skills. The game’s colorful and inviting design makes it appealing, and the short playtime ensures it remains engaging without being overwhelming. However, it may not offer enough complexity for experienced gamers seeking more challenging experiences.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.