Ships (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ships’ is a board game that was released in 2015, designed by Peter Dennis and published by Treefrog Games. The game falls under the categories of Exploration, Nautical, and Transportation, and is designed for 2-4 players aged 13 and above. Players take on the role of ship captains navigating the open seas, seeking out new lands and resources.

Game Components of Ships

Game board

Ship miniatures

Resource tokens

Player markers

Action cards

Event cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Ships

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding ship miniatures and player markers.

Shuffle the action and event cards, placing them in their designated areas on the board.

Place the resource tokens within reach of all players.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns moving their ships across the board, collecting resources, and completing various objectives. The game utilizes action points, area majority/influence, and area movement mechanics. The objective of the game is to amass the most points by discovering new territories, trading resources, and completing objectives.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging theme and immersive gameplay

Strategic depth with multiple paths to victory

Beautiful artwork and high-quality components

Cons

Lengthy playtime of around 2 hours

Learning curve for new players

Limited player interaction in certain phases

Personal Thoughts on Ships

As a fan of exploration and nautical themes, ‘Ships’ offers a captivating experience with its strategic gameplay and beautiful components. While the learning curve may be steep for newcomers, the depth of the game makes it a rewarding experience for seasoned players. The game’s build quality is top-notch, and the artwork enhances the immersive nature of the gameplay.

In terms of pricing and availability, ‘Ships’ can be found both new and used online or at board game retailers. For those interested in similar games, alternatives like ‘Merchants & Marauders’ or ‘Black Fleet’ offer comparable nautical themes and gameplay mechanics. Overall, ‘Ships’ is worth your time if you enjoy strategic board games with an exploration theme. However, those looking for fast-paced gameplay or extensive player interaction may want to skip this title.

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