Upon a Salty Ocean (2011) Board Game

Upon a Salty Ocean is a board game released in 2011, designed by Lamberto Azzariti. It falls under the categories of Economic, Nautical, and Renaissance themes, with a runtime of approximately 120 minutes. The game is designed for 2-4 players, aged 13 and above.

Game Components of Upon a Salty Ocean

Game board

Salt and fish tokens

Ships

Player boards

Resource cards

Salt barrels

Herring and cod tokens

Weekly demand cards

How To Setup Upon a Salty Ocean

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The salt and fish tokens, ships, and resource cards are distributed according to the rules. The weekly demand cards are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. Players then receive a starting hand of resource cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Economic, Historical

Mechanics: Resource Management, Worker Placement, Area Control

Objective: Players aim to manage their resources efficiently to produce salt, load it onto ships, and use it to preserve herring and cod caught from the Atlantic Ocean, fulfilling weekly demand to score points.

Player Count: 2-4

Age Range: 13 and up

Playtime: Approximately 120 minutes

Player Experience

Upon a Salty Ocean offers a deep and complex gaming experience, appealing to fans of economic and resource management games. Players must balance multiple tasks, from managing salt production to meeting the weekly demands for preserved fish. The game requires strategic planning and efficient use of resources, making it engaging but also demanding.

Pros

Depth and Complexity: Offers a rich and challenging gameplay experience.

Historical Theme: Provides an interesting and educational insight into historical trade practices.

Replayability: Variable weekly demands and resource availability ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Cons

Long Playtime: The game can take up to 120 minutes, which may be daunting for some players.

Steep Learning Curve: The rules and mechanics can be complex, making it difficult for new players to jump in.

Limited Player Count: Suitable for 2-4 players, which may limit its appeal for larger gaming groups.

Personal Thoughts on Upon a Salty Ocean

Upon a Salty Ocean is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex economic games and are interested in historical themes. It is not a game for casual players due to its lengthy playtime and intricate mechanics. However, for those who appreciate strategic depth and resource management, this game offers a highly rewarding experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.