Oceans (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Oceans is a board game released in 2020 by NorthStar Game Studio. It is designed by Nick Bentley, Dominic Crapuchettes, Ben Goldman, and Brian O’Neill, with artwork by Guillaume Ducos and Catherine Hamilton. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, Educational, Environmental, and Prehistoric, offering a unique gaming experience that combines strategy and thematic elements.

Game Components of Oceans

120 Surface Cards

50 Deep Cards

50 Scenario Cards

25 Species Boards

5 Scenario Panels

1 Ocean Board

1 Cambrian Explosion Track

1 Ocean Bag

4 Player Screens

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Oceans

Place the Ocean Board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the Surface, Deep, and Scenario Cards separately and place them face down on their designated spaces on the board.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding species board, player screen, and 2 Surface Cards.

Place the Victory Point tokens nearby and determine a starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take on the role of evolving species in the ocean, aiming to survive and thrive in a dynamic ecosystem. The game features hand management, hidden victory points, open drafting, take that mechanics, and victory points as a resource. The objective is to adapt your species to the changing environment, gather resources, and strategically evolve to score the most points by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging thematic gameplay that educates players about marine life.

Strategic depth with a variety of choices for evolution and adaptation.

Beautiful artwork and components that enhance immersion.

Cons

Learning curve for new players can be steep due to the multitude of mechanics.

Some scenarios may feel unbalanced, affecting gameplay outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Oceans

Oceans offers a unique and immersive gaming experience that blends educational elements with strategic gameplay. The build quality of the components is excellent, and the artwork adds to the thematic appeal of the game. Pricing and availability may vary, but for those interested in marine biology or strategic card games, Oceans is worth exploring. Players who enjoy games like Evolution or Wingspan will likely appreciate Oceans. Overall, it is a game that is worth your time, especially for those looking for a deep and engaging gaming experience in the realm of marine ecosystems.

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