Ocean Crisis (2019) Board Game

Ocean Crisis is a board game released in 2019 that focuses on the environmental issue of ocean pollution. Designed by Meng-Jung Yang, this cooperative game challenges players to work together to clean up the ocean and save marine life. The game aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and the consequences of pollution.

Game Components of Ocean Crisis

1 Playing board

1 Ocean current board

1 Bag

2 Wooden dice

3 Mission cards

3 Scenario cards

16 Round cards

20 Defense Team meeples

102 Road tiles

Enhancement Tiles and other various game pieces.

How To Setup Ocean Crisis

To set up Ocean Crisis, start by connecting the Ocean Board to the Land Board. Each player receives Defense Team meeples and markers in their respective colors. Depending on the player count, place neutral meeples on the Eco-Base: for 2 players, each gets two meeples in two colors with two white meeples on the Eco-Base; for 3 players, each gets three meeples with one white meeple on the Eco-Base; for 4 players, each gets two meeples with two white meeples on the Eco-Base; and for 5 players, each gets two meeples with specific placements of white meeples in towns. Place the Ocean Vacuum on the Dock and distribute the Enhancement Tiles accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Planning Phase: Players simultaneously place their meeples on Garbage Tiles or the Eco Base.

River Flow: Garbage flows from one body of water to the next, eventually to the Ocean Board or the Garbage Patch.

Ocean Current: The starting player rolls a die to move the Ocean Current disk, which can either suck garbage into the Garbage Patch or remove it using the Ocean Vacuum.

Environmental Activities: Players can build roads to activate bonuses, gain Enhancement Cards, or clear garbage using special abilities.

Game Objective

The objective is to prevent the Garbage Patch from filling up with 6 or more Garbage Tiles within six rounds. If successful, players win together.

Player Experience

Ocean Crisis offers a fun and educational experience, particularly for families. The game is designed to be accessible to children as young as 6 years old with simplified rules, while still providing a challenging experience for adults. Players learn about environmental issues such as recycling, pollution, and the impact on wildlife. The game includes various scenarios and missions, such as dolphin rescue and sea turtle nesting, adding variety and depth to the gameplay.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches about environmental issues and promotes teamwork.

Variety: Includes multiple scenarios and missions to keep gameplay interesting.

Quality Components: Made from thick cardstock and smooth wooden pieces.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children as young as 6 with simplified rules.

Complexity: Offers a challenging experience for adults as well.

Cons

Initial Learning Curve: Requires patience and practice to understand the rules fully.

Randomness: The game includes elements of randomness, which can sometimes hinder progress despite best efforts.

Personal Thoughts on Ocean Crisis

Ocean Crisis is an excellent choice for families who enjoy cooperative games and are passionate about environmental issues. It’s a game that not only entertains but also educates, making it a great addition to any family game night. While it can be challenging and sometimes frustrating due to its random elements, the overall experience is rewarding and engaging. It’s a game that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any game collection.

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