Sea Change (2021) Board Game

Sea Change is a card game designed by Rhys ap Gwyn and published by Inside Up Games in in 2021. The game is set in a beautiful underwater world where players take on the role of deep-sea explorers, seeking out mysterious creatures and lost treasures.

Game Components of Sea Change

Deck of cards with 3-5 suits depending on the player count

Fish token for tracking the trump suit

Trump track

Victory point cards

Cards with positive and negative point values, including sea trash cards for negative points

How To Setup Sea Change

To set up the game, create a deck using 3-5 suits based on the number of players. Shuffle the deck and deal 10 cards to each player. Place the trump track where everyone can see it, and ensure the fish token is ready to mark the trump suit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics:

Trick-taking

Variable player powers (Sea Change)

Point scoring

Game Objective:

Players aim to win tricks with positive point cards while avoiding negative point cards.

The player with the highest points at the end of a round earns a victory point.

The first player to score 3 victory points wins the game.

Detailed Gameplay:

The game starts with the player next to the dealer leading the first trick with any card, setting both the lead suit and the trump suit.

Players must follow the lead suit unless they choose to cause a “Sea Change” by matching the value of the previous card, which changes the trump suit.

If a player doesn’t have the lead suit, they can play any card from their hand.

The player with the highest value from the trump suit wins the trick, or the highest valued card from the lead suit if no trump cards were played.

Player Experience

**Sea Change** offers a unique twist on traditional trick-taking games with its aquatic theme, beautiful artwork, and innovative mechanics. The game scales well from 3 to 8 players, making it versatile for different group sizes. The inclusion of negative point cards adds a “take-that” element, while the Sea Change mechanism keeps players engaged and adaptable.

Pros

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

Variable Player Count: Supports 1-8 players, including solo, team, and standard play modes.

Engaging Mechanics: Sea Change and negative point cards add strategic depth and excitement.

Beautiful Artwork: Attractive and thematic card designs.

Cons

Complexity for Younger Players: While family-friendly, younger players might find the strategic elements challenging.

Luck of the Draw: Card distribution can significantly impact gameplay, which might not appeal to players seeking more control.

Personal Thoughts on Sea Change

**Sea Change** is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a fresh take on traditional card games. It’s perfect for those who enjoy strategic gameplay with a bit of luck and unpredictability. The game’s ability to accommodate a wide range of player counts, including solo play, makes it a versatile addition to any game collection. If you’re looking for a game that’s both fun and engaging, with a thematic twist, **Sea Change** is definitely worth checking out.

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