Shark (1987) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Shark is an economic board game released in 1987 by designer H. Jean Vanaise and published by BGA Plus. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with an optimal player count of

It has a playing time of approximately 90 minutes and is recommended for players aged 12 and above. The game features artwork by A. Lefort, J. C. Sohier, and Walter Wagner.

Game Components of Shark

Game board

Player tokens

Stock cards

Dice

Commodity cards

Money tokens

How To Setup Shark

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the stock cards and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Each player chooses a token color and places it on the starting space.

Distribute the money tokens to each player.

Shuffle the commodity cards and place them on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Shark, players engage in commodity speculation, dice rolling, and stock holding to accumulate wealth. The objective of the game is to become the richest player by strategically investing in stocks and commodities and manipulating market trends to your advantage.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging gameplay that requires strategic thinking and planning.

Interaction between players adds a competitive element to the game.

Decent replay value due to the variability in stock and commodity prices.

Cons

Game can be complex and overwhelming for new players.

Luck-based elements such as dice rolling may frustrate some players.

Game length of 90 minutes may be too long for casual players.

Personal Thoughts on Shark

Shark is a solid economic board game with a good balance of strategy and luck. The game components are well-designed, and the artwork adds to the overall theme. However, the game may not be suitable for casual players due to its complexity and length. In terms of pricing and availability, Shark can be found both used and new, with prices varying depending on the condition of the game.

For fans of economic board games who enjoy commodity speculation and stock trading mechanics, Shark is worth your time. However, those who prefer lighter, more fast-paced games may want to skip this one. Alternatives to Shark include games like Acquire and Stockpile, which offer similar gameplay experiences. Overall, Shark is a solid choice for players looking for a challenging and strategic board game experience.

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