This game definitely needs some negative reviews. Trouble is, I really like it, so I’ve drafted in some assistance to give you a good overall picture of it .
The basic details: are you interested?
Number of players 2-4
Length of game 10-20 minutes (similar for any number of players)
Likely audience kids, families, light abstract fans, gamers generally (as a filler)
Type of game simple perfect information abstract strategy game, with nice presentation
Complexity of rules very simple
Amount of luck none
If not, thanks for looking. If you are, please continue
Introducing me
I’ve been lurking for a while, but this contesthas inspired me to start reviewing games. My ratings should be a decent guide to my tastes for now - though I’ll basically give anything a go once or twice I’ve largely played medium-light Euros so far. I like most things I’ve played, but I’ll show both sides in my reviews.
and my review
I’ll start with what attracted me to the game and any prejudices, then introduce the game the way I would to a friend before getting into more detail.
I’ll cover the components and rulebook quickly before getting on to the action. I’ll try to convey the feel of the game and key things that contribute to that, rather than going through the rules in full.
But you really like the game. Aren’t you going to gloss over things that people wanting to know whether they’ll like it would want covered?
Ok, fair point. 504
I’ll let you butt in every now and again, even if you are just an assemblage of my thoughts, entries from the game comments and forum threads (thanks to all those I’ve paraphrased). But for now, shut up and let me finish the introduction.
I’ll then give my overall views, and a final conclusion at, well, the end.
I've used several images of the game posted by other users (thanks!), please click through and thumb if you like them.
And the game - what you’re trying to do..
Use your team of penguins to collect more fish than anyone else.
and what you do in a turn
Move one of your penguins across the board, and pick up the tile you started the move from. The fish on it will count towards your score.
You’ll rapidly start creating inaccessible areas of the board as tiles are picked up. If you get trapped that penguin won't move any more, but fish you isolate for yourself this way will be yours at the end of the game.
Once more with detail - starting with components
Opening the box you get a set of thick cardboard tiles (unpunched if it’s a new copy) showing ice floes and various numbers of fish, a bunch of coloured penguin figures, and the rulebook.
The German edition has some very nice wooden penguins in bright colours.
The rules are German only but there's a by S
<PERSON>
@Steve Cox
.
The ‘Deluxe Editions’ have some snazzier-looking moulded plastic penguins, like this lot.It also has double-sided tiles, showing the fish on both sides, but setup might be quicker as you’ll never have to flip any inverted tiles over.
They look nice, but isn’t it quite expensive for the bits you get?
Erm, yeah, prices on the BGG marketplace and Amazon do seem a bit high at around $30-35 or 25-30 euros for the deluxe editions and 15-20 euros for the original edition (if you can find it), and presumably it’ll be more in your FLGS.
And it seems to get suggested as a travel game, but that box looks pretty big!Yeah, once you’ve punched the tiles out the box is ridiculously oversized. If you pack it in something small it's a good game to take and play when you get there but could’ve been much better if the tiles were pre-punched and the box was designed on that basis, like the smaller box shown here next to the original.
Smaller tiles would also make it better for playing in a pub or café as well: it takes up a surprising amount of table space.
Overall I’d say the components are pretty good, but not exceptional. Then again, it’s what you do with them that counts..
Setup
Lay the hexagonal tiles out on the table, and arrange as shown in the rulebook. Try to ensure the fish are reasonably evenly distributed. It doesn't seem critical, as everyone can see the fish when they place their penguins. 200