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Pocket Sub (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Pocket Sub is a board game released in 2018 by Alley Cat Games. Designed by Darrin Horbal, it falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy and Nautical games. The game features area movement, grid movement, and tile placement as its main mechanisms.

Game Components of Pocket Sub

  • Game Board:** Composed of 5-9 hex tiles that can be arranged differently for each game.
  • Submarines:** 2-3 submarines per player, depending on the number of players.
  • Mines:** Used by players to block opponents’ submarines.
  • Hex Tiles:** Each tile features three types of areas: regular open water, rocky shoals, and “the Deep,” which requires 2 movement points to navigate but allows for teleportation to another “Deep” area.

    How To Setup Pocket Sub

    To set up Pocket Sub, players start by arranging the hex tiles randomly to form the game board, creating a unique ocean layout each time. Each player selects their submarines and places them on the board. The game is ready to start once all players have their submarines and the board is set.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Area Movement:** Players move their submarines through the hex tiles.
  • Grid Movement:** Submarines move in a grid pattern.
  • Tile Placement:** The random arrangement of hex tiles creates a new board each game.

    Objective:

  • Movement:** Each turn, a player must move their submarine 3 spaces, plant a mine in one of the spaces moved through, and end in an empty space.
  • Avoidance:** Players must avoid entering spaces with enemy mines or other submarines, as this results in destruction.
  • Hero Submarine:** When a player is down to one submarine, it becomes a “Hero” sub, capable of ramming other subs without being destroyed.
  • Winning Condition:** The last player with a surviving submarine wins the game.

    Player Experience

    Pocket Sub offers a highly strategic and tense gameplay experience that is quick to learn but challenging to master. The game’s dynamic board and limited movement options make each game unique and require forward planning to outmaneuver opponents. It is praised for its ability to be both fun for children and engaging for teenagers and adults.

    Pros

  • Portable:** The game is small enough to fit in a pocket, making it an excellent travel game.
  • Quick Games:** Each game lasts only 10-15 minutes.
  • Strategic Depth:** The combination of random board setup and limited movements creates a challenging and strategic gameplay experience.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for children aged 8 and above, yet engaging for adults as well.

    Cons

  • Limited Replayability with Few Players:** Some players may find the game less engaging with only two players compared to three or four.
  • Luck Element:** The random placement of tiles can introduce an element of luck, affecting strategy.

    Personal Thoughts on Pocket Sub

    Pocket Sub is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick, strategic, and portable game. It is ideal for families, as it is easy to learn and fun for children, while also providing enough complexity to keep adults engaged. The game’s ability to change strategies based on the number of players makes it versatile and replayable. Whether you’re on a vacation or need a quick game for a game night, Pocket Sub is a great addition to any board game collection.

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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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