Shark Island (2017) Board Game

Shark Island is a board game released in 2017, designed by Patrick Faricy and Randy Martinez. It is a game that falls under the adventure category with a movies/TV/radio theme. The game involves a chit-pull system, cooperative game play, secret unit deployment, and variable player powers. Players take on the roles of either the shark or the hunters, with the shark trying to survive and the hunters trying to capture the shark.

Game Components of Shark Island

82 tiles

153 cards

34 tokens

3 custom dice

6 player Standees

1 rulebook

How To Setup Shark Island

To set up Shark Island, players first need to assemble the island by placing the tiles randomly to create the map. Each player chooses a Standee and places it on the designated starting location. The shark token is also placed on the board according to the rules. Players then distribute the necessary cards and tokens, ensuring each player has the appropriate starting equipment. The custom dice are prepared for use during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Semi-Cooperative: Players work together to hunt down a monstrous great white shark but can also have individual goals.

Tile Placement: The island is built randomly with tiles, creating a unique map each game.

Card Play: Players use cards to perform actions such as moving, attacking, and using special abilities.

Dice Rolling: Custom dice are used to determine the success of certain actions.

Objective: The primary goal is to defeat the shark, but players can also earn points by completing individual objectives.

Player Experience

Playing Shark Island involves a blend of cooperation and competition. Players must collaborate to hunt the shark effectively, but they also have personal goals that can sometimes conflict with the team’s objective. This dynamic creates a tense and engaging gameplay experience.

Pros

Dynamic Map: The random tile placement ensures a different game environment each time.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of card play and dice rolling adds a layer of unpredictability.

Balanced Cooperation: Players need to work together while also pursuing individual goals.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming and complex.

Steep Learning Curve: The game has numerous rules and components, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Shark Island

Shark Island is ideal for those who enjoy semi-cooperative games with a mix of strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for players who like dynamic game environments and multiple layers of gameplay mechanics. However, due to its complexity and lengthy setup, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to board games.

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