They Come Unseen (2015) Board Game

They Come Unseen is a board game released in 2015 by Osprey Games, designed by Adam Tooby. The game is set in the Cold War era, where players take on the roles of either a NATO submarine commander or a Soviet submarine commander. The game focuses on hidden movement, secret unit deployment, and strategic planning to outwit your opponent.

Game Components of They Come Unseen

Two game boards: one for surface actions visible to both players and one for underwater movements seen only by the submarine commanders.

Control panels for tracking vital information like fuel, ammunition, and cruising depth.

Submarine and destroyer models or markers.

Target cards for randomly assigned Soviet Ice Stations or bases.

Sonar search templates and depth charge salvo cubes.

Logistics ships and special forces commandos.

Mine laying components.

How To Setup They Come Unseen

Setup involves each player preparing their respective boards and components. The NATO player receives two diesel-electric hunter-killer submarines and randomly assigns four target cards out of six possible Ice Stations. The Soviet player sets up two destroyers and a fleet of logistics ships to protect the Ice Stations. The game boards are color-coded to indicate different water depths, which is crucial for gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetrical Gameplay: Different victory conditions for NATO and Soviet players.

Hidden Movement: NATO submarines move underwater, hidden from Soviet view.

Secret Unit Deployment: NATO targets are randomly assigned and unknown to the Soviets.

Resource Management: NATO submarines must manage battery charge and depth to avoid detection.

Sonar Searches: Soviet destroyers use sonar to locate and attack NATO submarines.

Mine Laying: NATO submarines can lay mines in shallow water to hinder Soviet movements.

Objective for NATO: Destroy four assigned Ice Stations or bases.

Objective for Soviet: Protect the Ice Stations and eliminate the NATO submarines.

Player Experience

Playing They Come Unseen is a tense and immersive experience, simulating the cat-and-mouse interactions between Soviet destroyers and NATO submarines in the icy waters of the Barents Sea. The game requires strategic thinking, bluffing, and deception. The NATO player must navigate the submarines to their targets while avoiding detection, while the Soviet player must spread resources to protect all possible targets and hunt down the submarines.

Pros

High Tension and Theme Integration: The game excellently captures the tension and theme of Cold War submarine warfare.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Asymmetrical Design: Offers different and challenging experiences for both sides.

Realistic Mechanics: Designed by a retired submarine commander, adding realism to the gameplay.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rulebook can be confusing, requiring additional resources like the 10-page FAQ.

Rule Clarity Issues: Players often need to clarify rules during gameplay.

Component Quality: Some players hope for upgraded components in a future edition.

Personal Thoughts on They Come Unseen

They Come Unseen is ideal for fans of strategic wargames and those interested in Cold War history. It offers a unique and realistic experience of submarine warfare, making it a great choice for players looking for a challenging and immersive game. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complex rules and setup. For those willing to dive into the details, it promises a highly rewarding and tense gaming experience.

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