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Sky Team (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Sky Team is a cooperative board game designed by Luc Rémond and published by Scorpion Masqué in in 2023. The game is set in the world of aviation and flight, where players take on the roles of pilots and ground crew members working together to manage a busy airport and ensure the smooth operation of flights.

Game Components of Sky Team

  • Dual-layer player board** representing various airplane components like flaps, brakes, and engines.
  • Transparent plastic disc** for the artificial horizon to show the plane’s orientation.
  • Tiny wooden indicators** and **cardboard toggle switches**.
  • Height strip** showing the plane’s current altitude.
  • Dice** (blue for the pilot, orange for the co-pilot).
  • Coffee tokens** to modify die results.
  • Airplane tokens** and **approach strip** for different airports.
  • Log book** with 20 extra missions and additional components for varying difficulties.

    How To Setup Sky Team

    To set up Sky Team, begin by laying out the dual-layer player board and inserting the necessary components such as the transparent plastic disc, wooden indicators, and cardboard toggle switches. Choose an airport to land at and adjust the board accordingly, including placing airplane tokens on the approach strip. Each player selects their respective dice (blue for the pilot, orange for the co-pilot) and places them behind their personal screens. The game is ready to start once the setup is complete.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Silent Communication: Players discuss strategy at the start of each round but must remain silent while placing their dice.
  • Dice Placement: Players secretly roll their four dice and take turns placing them on the board to manage the plane’s axis, speed, flaps, landing gear, brakes, and communication with the control tower.
  • Mandatory Actions: Each round requires players to affect the plane’s axis and control the engines.
  • Optional Actions: Players can choose to lower flaps, landing gear, engage brakes, or clear other planes from the flight path.
  • Coffee Tokens: Used to modify die results by adding or subtracting one.
  • Game Objective: Successfully land the plane by keeping it level, clearing the flight path, and engaging brakes before the altitude hits zero.

    Player Experience

    Playing Sky Team is an immersive and thrilling experience, especially in the later rounds. The silent communication element adds a unique layer of teamwork and strategy, as players must rely on their pre-round discussions to coordinate their actions. The game’s thematic touches, such as the dashboard and coffee tokens, enhance the realism of landing a plane. Despite the tension, the game remains engaging and enjoyable, with each mission offering a fresh challenge.

    Pros

  • Highly Thematic: The game is very thematic, with detailed components that simulate real-world flight experiences.
  • Strong Cooperative Mechanics: Encourages teamwork and silent communication.
  • High Replayability: Includes 20 extra missions and various difficulty levels.
  • Excellent Components: Well-designed and clear punching board.
  • Quick Setup and Playtime: Setup takes about 2 minutes, and gameplay lasts around 15-20 minutes.

    Cons

  • Limited Communication: May feel unthematic or restrictive to some players.
  • Repetitive Gameplay: Could become repetitive if played too frequently.
  • Two-Player Only: Limited to two players, which may not appeal to everyone.

    Personal Thoughts on Sky Team

    Sky Team is an outstanding addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy cooperative games and are looking for a unique, challenging experience. It is ideal for players who regularly game with one other person and do not mind the silent communication aspect. The game’s design and components are top-notch, making it a great value for its price. However, it may not be suitable for younger players due to the complexity and silent nature of the game. Overall, Sky Team is a must-check-out for any serious board game enthusiast.

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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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