Aquatica
- Designer Ivan Tuzovsky
- Publisher Cosmodrome Games , Arcane Wonders , BoardM Factory , Broadway Toys LTD , Cranio Creations
- Illustration Irina Kuzmina , Andrew Modestov , Oleg Proshin , Artur Varenyev , Marat Zakirov
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Aquatica, you become a mighty ocean king building your underwater kingdom. You capture and buy locations, recruit characters, and complete goals to earn victory points. Playing cards from your hand with unique actions allows you to combine effects and perform up to ten actions in one turn. The game features a three-layered player board and a unique card-rising mechanic to represent the underwater exploration and resource gathering.
Who Is This Game For?
Aquatica suits families and hobby gamers who enjoy medium-complexity engine-building games. Suitable from age 12, it offers about 60 minutes of gameplay, fitting a typical game night. Some familiarity with hand management and deck-building mechanics helps but is not required.
How It Works
The core mechanics include Action Retrieval, Contracts, and Deck, Bag, and Pool Building. Players play cards with various actions and combine them to capture locations and gather resources. The unique card-rising mechanism lets players upgrade cards on their player board, building an efficient engine to score points at the end.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Ivan Tuzovsky, Aquatica was nominated for the 2021 Geek Media Awards Best Russian Development and received nominations in 2022 for Gouden Ludo Best Expert Game and Nederlandse Spellenprijs Best Advanced Game. Its distinctive card-rising mechanic and underwater fantasy setting set it apart.
Awards
2022
- 2022 Gouden Ludo Best Expert Game — Nominated
- 2021 Geek Media Awards Best Russian Development — Nominated
Pro
- Innovative card-rising engine-building mechanic
- Family-friendly with solo mode
- Underwater fantasy theme with diverse creatures
- Nominated for notable board game awards
Contra
- Requires strategic planning and thinking
- Complexity may challenge beginners
- 60-minute playtime requires some patience
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a fantastical underwater world, players take the role of ocean kings expanding their realms among mysterious sea creatures and unknown locations in the ocean depths.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on combining card actions effectively and gradually building your engine.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Aquatica includes a solo mode for single players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
Some experience with hand management and deck-building helps but is not mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
Aquatica stands out with its unique card-rising mechanic within engine-building games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family game recommended for ages 12 and up with moderate complexity.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Action Retrieval, Contracts, and a special card-rising mechanic is unique.
Fazit
Aquatica is recommended for players seeking a thematic engine-building experience with moderate complexity. Its blend of hand management and unique mechanics appeals to families and hobby gamers with some experience.
