Captain Sonar
- Designer Roberto Fraga , Yohan Lemonnier
- Publisher Matagot , Arclight Games , asmodee , Broadway Toys LTD , Bureau de Juegos
- Illustration Ervin , Piotr Forkasiewicz , Sabrina Tobal
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Captain Sonar, you and your teammates operate a state-of-the-art submarine trying to locate and destroy the enemy sub. Each player has a unique role such as Captain, Radio Operator, or Engineer, requiring tight teamwork and communication. The game offers both turn-based and real-time modes, delivering dynamic and fast-paced gameplay. Deduction and coordinated actions are key to outsmarting opponents on multiple maps with varying difficulty.
Who Is This Game For?
Captain Sonar targets experienced players aged 14 and up who enjoy cooperative and competitive team games with real-time elements. A typical session lasts about 60 minutes and demands focus and quick decision-making. While prior experience with deduction and strategy games helps, new players can learn through guided play. It suits groups from 2 to 8 players looking for tactical team challenges.
How It Works
Each team member takes on a specific role: the Captain moves the submarine on a grid, the Radio Operator listens and deciphers enemy movements, and the Engineer manages weapon systems. The game blends Hidden Movement, Deduction, and Real-Time mechanics. In the simultaneous mode, all players act at once, requiring fast reactions and coordination. Teams try to pinpoint and attack the opposing submarine across different maps with unique challenges.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Roberto Fraga and Yohan Lemonnier, Captain Sonar won the 2016 Cardboard Republic Socializer Laurel. It uniquely combines deduction, hidden movement, and real-time mechanics into a team-based submarine warfare experience. The clear role division and dual-mode gameplay distinguish it from other strategy games. It belongs to a family of submarine-themed games using dry-erase components and player screens.
Awards
2016
- 2016 Cardboard Republic Socializer Laurel — Winner
Pro
- Innovative real-time and turn-based modes
- Strong emphasis on team communication
- Combination of deduction, hidden movement, and grid movement
- Multiple maps with varying difficulty
Contra
- Requires minimum 2 players, best with 4-8
- 60-minute playtime demands sustained attention
- Complexity and real-time elements may challenge newcomers
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in modern oceans, two submarine teams engage in fierce underwater battles. The nautical theme provides a tactical backdrop for maneuvering and strategic decisions in submarine warfare.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start with the turn-based mode to learn roles and gameplay before progressing to real-time.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Captain Sonar requires at least 2 players and is not designed for solo play.
How long does a game really take?
Games typically last around 60 minutes, depending on player count and mode.
What prior experience do I need?
Some experience with team and deduction games helps; suitable for players 14 and older.
How does this compare to similar games?
Captain Sonar stands out by blending real-time action with hidden movement and deduction.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and age recommendation, it’s better suited for experienced groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its combination of real-time mechanics with deduction and hidden movement is distinctive.
Fazit
Captain Sonar is recommended for groups seeking cooperative real-time games with deduction. Its complexity and emphasis on team communication make it ideal for experienced players aged 14 and older.
