The Refuge: Terror from the Deep (2019) Board Game

The Refuge: Terror from the Deep is a board game released in 2019 that falls under the adventure, horror, and nautical categories. Designed by Shane Cook, James Hayball, and Damien Mammoliti, this game challenges players to survive a terrifying deep-sea adventure. With a runtime of 20-60 minutes, The Refuge is suitable for 1-6 players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of The Refuge: Terror from the Deep

Game board

Player boards

Miniatures

Cards

Tokens

Dice

How To Setup The Refuge: Terror from the Deep

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a character and takes the corresponding player board and miniature.

Shuffle the event cards and place them face down on the designated space on the board.

Place tokens and dice within reach of all players.

Follow any additional setup instructions in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players must work together to survive the horrors of the deep sea by managing resources, exploring new areas, and overcoming challenges. The game features area movement, cooperative gameplay, hand management, take-that mechanics, and variable player powers. The objective is to reach the surface before the countdown runs out or all players meet their demise.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging cooperative gameplay

Immersive theme and artwork

Varied player powers add replay value

Strategic decision-making

Suspenseful atmosphere

Cons:

Some components may feel flimsy

Rules can be complex for new players

Replayability may diminish after multiple playthroughs

Personal Thoughts on The Refuge: Terror from the Deep

The Refuge: Terror from the Deep offers a thrilling and immersive experience for fans of adventure and horror genres. While the game’s build quality may leave something to be desired, the engaging gameplay and thematic elements make up for it. The pricing and availability of the game vary, so it’s worth checking both new and used options. Alternatives to The Refuge include other cooperative board games like Pandemic or Eldritch Horror. Overall, The Refuge is worth your time if you enjoy challenging cooperative games with a nautical twist. It’s best suited for players who enjoy a mix of strategy, suspense, and teamwork, while those who prefer competitive games may want to skip this one.

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