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Ships (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

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 tiles
  • Resource tokens
  • Player markers
  • Action tiles
  • Crew and component cards
  • Canal tiles

    How To Setup Ships

    Setting up Ships involves placing the game board, distributing the ship tiles, and preparing the action tiles and resource tokens. Each player selects their markers and places them on the starting positions on the board. The crew and component cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The canal tiles are set up according to the game’s instructions to create the scoring tracks.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement:** Players place their markers on action tiles to perform different actions such as acquiring ship parts, crew, and resources.
  • Resource Management:** Players manage resources to build and equip their ships.
  • Tile-Laying:** Players lay ship tiles to construct their ships, ensuring proper alignment of ship features.
  • Game Objective:** The objective is to build and launch ships, scoring points by completing shakedown cruises through the canals. Points are awarded for matching ship features, crew members, and the speed of the boat.

    Player Experience

    Playing Ships is a strategic and methodical experience. The game starts slowly as players gather resources and build their ships, but it becomes more engaging as players launch their ships into the canals for scoring. The game requires careful planning and resource management, making it appealing to fans of Eurogames and strategy. The quiet periods of resource gathering are punctuated by moments of excitement as players score points for their ships.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Offers a deep and engaging strategic experience.
  • Resource Management:** Encourages careful planning and resource management.
  • Tile-Laying:** The tile-laying mechanic adds a fun and challenging layer to ship construction.
  • Scoring System:** The scoring system rewards attention to detail and strategic planning.

    Cons

  • Slow Start:** The game can start very slowly as players gather resources.
  • Complex Setup:** Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components.
  • Limited Immediate Action:** Players may find the initial phases of the game too quiet or slow.

    Personal Thoughts on Ships

    Ships is for those who enjoy a challenging and strategic game experience. It is ideal for fans of Eurogames who appreciate the intricacies of resource management and tile-laying. While it may not be the best fit for players looking for immediate action or fast-paced gameplay, it rewards patience and careful planning. If you enjoy building and customizing your own ships and navigating the complexities of a well-designed game mechanic, Ships is definitely worth exploring.

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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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