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Description
At the bottom of the ocean, no one will hear you scream!
In Captain Sonar, you and your teammates control a state-of-the-art submarine and are trying to locate an enemy submarine in order to blow it out of the water before they can do the same to you. Every role is important, and the confrontation is merciless. Be organized and communicate because a captain is nothing without his crew: the Chief Mate, the Radio Operator, and the Engineer.
All the members of a team sit on one side of the table, and they each take a particular role on the submarine, with the division of labor for these roles being dependent on the number of players in the game. Roles include: the Captain, who is responsible for moving the submarine and announcing some details of this movement; the Radio Operator listening to the opposing captain's orders and try to decipher where that sub might be in the water; the Engineer working in the munitions room to prepare torpedoes, mines and other devices that will allow for combat.
Captain Sonar can be played in two modes: turn-by-turn or simultaneous. In the latter set-up, all the members of a team take their actions simultaneously while trying to track what the opponents are doing, too. When a captain is ready to launch an attack, the action pauses for a moment to see whether a hit has been recorded — then play resumes with the target having snuck away while the attacker paused or with bits of metal now scattered across the ocean floor.
Multiple maps are included with varying levels of difficulty.
Year Published
2016
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 14
This page: 14
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–14 of 14
Video PYYv06C_Fq8
Board Game Replay convention_recap at 0:38 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12947 · mention_pk 37894
Click to watch at 0:38
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Exciting gameplay
- Intense team communication
- Unique concept
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Team-based strategy
- Submarine warfare
- Real-time communication
Comparison games
- Battleship
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-time play — Teams communicate and move simultaneously
- Role assignment — Each player has a specific job on the team
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- 61,000 people there and most... you can have a good time with pretty much anybody
- Gen Con is so friendly and so social
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video jzSsS-TKwYs
Unknown Channel top_100_list at 57:18 sentiment: other
video_pk 9915 · mention_pk 29179
Click to watch at 57:18
Overall sentiment (raw)
S tier
Pros
- tremendous party vibe
- team coordination is thrilling
Cons
- requires 8 players
- tends to be chaotic
Thematic elements
- real-time team coordination and chaos
- submarine warfare
- team-focused, high-energy
Comparison games
- The Crew
- Nexus (Captain Sonar)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Real-time teamwork — everyone has a crew role; synchronized actions are key
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is obviously an S tier game.
- I'm combining a few Clank games here, but they're all A tier.
- I hate Kingdom Death Monster. I hate it.
- This is an easy A tier game.
- This is an S tier game.
- Don't yuck yums.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cLOrxog8Yk4
Board Game Hangar general_discussion at 3:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8530 · mention_pk 25160
Click to watch at 3:01
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly social and interactive
- great party-leaning design
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- real-time team coordination under pressure
- submarine team-based pursuit and deduction
Comparison games
- Watergate
- Mind MGMT
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Hidden movement — teams operate subs and try to locate the enemy
- simultaneous action — players perform actions in real-time
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I guarantee that 90 of the games here I think you will enjoy
- this shelf is like this any game you pull out you know you can immediately play even if you don't remember all the rules
- I want it as well
- you have to move with the culture next to the wine I think he's a fan of me
- two players two player versus games exactly
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1mAznjCYbLE
playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6532 · mention_pk 19349
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Intense energy and social interaction
- Strong replayability due to team roles and hidden information
- Engaging chaos when played with the right group
Cons
- Very loud and chaotic; not suitable for all players
- Requires a larger group and active participation
Thematic elements
- Cooperation under pressure, deception, and rapid decision-making
- Submarine warfare between two fleets on a grid-based map
- Energetic, chaotic, humorous, and high-stakes
Comparison games
- Battleships
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Hidden information & deduction — Drones, mines, and sonar provide partial intel; teams deduce enemy position.
- Map-based positioning — Two subs move on a shared grid; sectors and line-of-sight constraints shape movement.
- Resource management — Torpedoes, mines, drones, and other systems must be stocked and managed through turns.
- Role-based teamwork — Distinct roles (captain, navigator, engineer, first mate) coordinate under time pressure.
- Simultaneous Actions — Captains announce directions in parallel; navigators and engineers react to information as it unfolds.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Captain Sonar is like battleships turned up to 11
- it's the turn-based version of Captain Sonar
- our submarine is called the pigboat
- Torpedoes online
- we're going to surface
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video JBmNZ2GatSw
Actual Oh general_discussion at 7:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4482 · mention_pk 13169
Click to watch at 7:13
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fantastic with 6–8 players
- dramatic, is-it-your-turn tension
Cons
- rules can be dense for newcomers
- requires a specific player count for best flow
Thematic elements
- asymmetric teamwork and real-time decisions
- coordinated submarine hunt in a fleet battle
- high-energy, team-based tension
Comparison games
- Battleship
- Spaceteam
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hidden_movement — coordination and timing to outmaneuver opponents
- team_tactics — two teams act as submarines, seeking to locate and destroy the other
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Junk Art might be my favorite dexterity game of all time
- the system is very clever... the way that you select the Domino's and the way that they fit together
- Pandemic Iberia just takes basic Pandemic puts it in olden times and has a bit more theme to it
- When I Dream is a brilliant party game
- Captain Sonar adds a big hit of a game this is a big group game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YxH_ivtOliA
Rolls in the Family top_3_list at 2:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4165 · mention_pk 12187
Click to watch at 2:27
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique, intense real-time team experience
- High energy and table dynamic with large groups
- Strong replay potential with different roles and setups
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Requires a sizeable group and setup to feel optimal
Thematic elements
- team coordination under pressure, fog of war, pursuit and evasion
- Undersea submarine warfare in real-time, divided teams across ships
- cooperative-competitive, high-tension teamwork with simultaneous actions
Comparison games
- Battleship (real-time variant)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetrical roles — Crew positions (captain, sonar, weapons, etc.) each have distinct duties and information
- Hidden information and deduction — Opposing team tries to deduce location and intent from calls and charts
- Real-time simultaneous play — Players act in real time rather than discrete turns, driving fast-paced decisions
- Spatial tracking on a shared map — Direction calls and marked circles trace movement and positions in real time
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's real time battleship, team verse team.
- Baptism by fire.
- There's no game like it.
- This game continually impresses me to the point that this is never going to leave my collection.
- The queen is way harder in this game.
- Arc's delivering on the promise of what this game set out to be.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DcOFXQqivME
Junkets Games top_10_list at 27:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2849 · mention_pk 8329
Click to watch at 27:39
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Immersive, cramped-submarine atmosphere
- Strong emphasis on teamwork and role flavor
Cons
- Can be chaotic; relies on good communication
Thematic elements
- Team coordination and strategic communication under pressure
- Two submarines in naval confrontation; real-time submarine warfare
- High-tension, real-time submarine skirmish with diverse roles
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engineering and maintenance — The engineer handles ongoing repairs; failures drive tension and strategic choices.
- sonar and weapon systems — Use sonar to locate opponent; manage weapons within range constraints.
- team-based real-time play — Players split into teams; each member has distinct submarine roles and must coordinate in real time.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- not alone is a great overall thematic game and that's why it's number 10 on the list
- season one is like 95% identical to the original pandemic
- it's like watching a Netflix show as you are playing these games
- Spirit Island is the most thematic out of all of these
- genuinely I felt like I was in this cramped pressure-filled crazy stressful submarine duking it out to the death
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video THiv9yyrXfA
Wednesday Would You Rather general_discussion at 0:05 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2293 · mention_pk 6656
Click to watch at 0:05
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- High-energy social interaction
- Strong teamwork and communication demands
- High replayability with different group combos
- Asymmetric roles add depth
Cons
- Very loud/energetic; can be stressful
- Potentially chaotic for new players
- Setup can be verbose
Thematic elements
- team-based asymmetrical roles, hidden movement, tactical coordination
- submarine warfare in a real-time naval battlefield
- procedural tactical combat with competitive team vs team play
Comparison games
- Mission Control: Critical Orbit
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric roles — Different crew positions (Captain, Radio Operator, First Mate, Engineer) have distinct responsibilities.
- Bluffing and data interpretation — Interpreting signals to locate enemy ships; risk of misinterpretation.
- Hidden information and deduction — Tracking enemy movements and planning attacks with partial information.
- Real-time team coordination — Players perform actions simultaneously across stations to achieve objectives.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- not a game for the faint of heart
- high-energy yelling intense moments
- realtime strategy experience
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HyfZjL2vicM
Board Gameco general_discussion at 6:55 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1834 · mention_pk 5295
Click to watch at 6:55
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Great with eight players; excellent convention staple
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hidden movement / team play — Real-time deduction and teamwork for submarine warfare.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I will not be going through campaign games in this.
- I want to be more cutthroat than I ever have before.
- Quad Heroes is going. I hate it. I hate it so much.
- Monumental. If Monumental is still here in a year and hasn't been played, if next year's Purge, if I haven't played Monumental, it's going to go.
- Last Light can go. I'm not thinking off the shelf.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YOIh74c00xo
Brothers Murph top_10_list at 18:55 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1754 · mention_pk 5053
Click to watch at 18:55
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Feels like real submarine operations
- Perfect convention game
- Rockous and fun atmosphere
- Great social experience
- Captures childhood Battleship feeling but more complex
- Satisfying strategic depth for adults
- Multiple roles keep everyone engaged
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Hunt and destroy opponent submarines in real-time
- Submarine warfare
- Cooperative team-based tactical simulation
Comparison games
- Battleship
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric roles — Captain, radio operator, engineer, and other roles with different tasks
- Communication system — Captain announces moves aloud; radio operator listens to opponents
- Location revelation — Submarines must surface and reveal location at certain times
- Movement restrictions — Submarines have limited movement rules affecting tracking logic
- Position tracking — Radio operator marks transparent sheet trying to determine opponent submarine location
- Real-time gameplay — All actions happen simultaneously; no turn structure
- Targeting and combat — Players gun for revealed submarines trying to destroy them
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this doesn't feel like any other game... that's kind of what made us think about this
- this is a really interesting 3D puzzle where you are trying to build up stuff so that you can place it out but not score points
- you can strategically kind of change reality, which is just really, really kind of cool and unique
- I fundamentally do not understand how a brain thinks of a game like this. It's just so cool.
- I fundamentally don't understand how it works, but it works really, really well
- what if battleship was real time with a bunch of people and everyone had different roles
- it's fun to kind of cosplay as a collectible card game player, uh, but while keeping it still a board game at the end of the day
- For our money, the most unique game out there is Millennium Blades
- they provide an experience that... there's no other game that does it quite like those games do it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9AkxHFfRGr8
Board Game Prices top_10_list at 5:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1423 · mention_pk 4130
Click to watch at 5:34
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Intense, tense coordination
- engaging with six players due to team roles
Cons
- Can be hectic; some roles may feel more busy than others
Thematic elements
- team coordination under pressure
- real-time submarine operation
- tense, collaborative, chaotic
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- role specialization — captain, radio operator, engineers, and other crew manage functions
- team-based real-time play — two teams coordinate subs and navigation in real time
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the trading element really comes into its own
- there's something undeniably majestic about the game
- six is the magic number for it
- it's a hell of a lot easier to get six people together that it is to get eight
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -64Q9lXpAB0
Unknown top_100_list at 1:55 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1162 · mention_pk 3352
Click to watch at 1:55
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Tense, thrilling experience; excellent for large groups
- Distinctive real-time teamwork dynamic
Cons
- Less engaging with smaller player counts (best with 8)
Thematic elements
- Cooperation and competition under real-time constraints
- Underwater submarine warfare
- Tense, role-driven coordination with opposing team
Comparison games
- Space Cadets
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- combat_and_systems — Weapons, navigation, repairs and system operations drive tension and potential misfires.
- role_based_control — Different crew roles (Captain, Commander, etc.) drive distinct functions.
- simultaneous_action_selection — Both teams select actions at the same time, creating tense, real-time play.
- team_vs_team_duel — Two submarines on opposite sides compete; information is segmented by team.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- beast of a game on the table
- epic game
- massive box
- one of those awesome massive games that we really do enjoy
- it's tense it's a fantastic experience
- one of the best times for larger groups
- it's one of the most famous cooperative games there is
- we urge you to play Pandemic
- one of the best rondell games that you can play today
- we love Dixit everybody that sticks it you should love it too
- it's a fantastic game we've had so many laughs with Cosmic Encounter
- one of mcgirt's best games and one of his most original games and that is Imperial
- it's a wonderful game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 4eBhd8MsjCg
Dice Tower general_discussion at 19:43 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 1059 · mention_pk 3010
Click to watch at 19:43
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- highly interactive and tense
- great for groups and social play
Cons
- requires multiple players and good coordination
- can be chaotic or overwhelming for beginners
Thematic elements
- coordinated teamwork under time pressure
- submarine warfare in real-time team play
- thematic tension rather than a narrative campaign
Comparison games
- Railways of the World
- Brass Birmingham
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-time team play — Two teams work concurrently to locate and attack the other team’s submarine.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I played Gloomhaven, Frosthaven, Lord of the Rings, Tainted Grail.
- Board games are in again.
- AI in board games is a bigger issue than outside of board games.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video tJM-VOylmOc
The Discriminating Gamer unboxing / general_discussion at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 395 · mention_pk 1182
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high interaction and dramatic team-based play
- eight players recommended for best experience
- stunning artwork and components
- replayability across multiple maps and scenarios
Cons
- requires a full eight players for optimal play, which can be a scheduling hurdle
- real-time play can be chaotic for some groups
- setup and rule complexity may be intimidating at first glance
Thematic elements
- Team-based submarine chase and ship-to-ship combat
- Submarine warfare, layered naval pursuit, real-time encounters between opposing crews
- Live, first-person operational commentary and unboxing narrative
Comparison games
- Sonar
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetrical roles — Four roles per side (captain, radio operator, first mate, engineer) each with distinct duties and interfaces.
- Direct combat resolution with system management — Torpedoes, sonar, and other ship systems are managed in real time to outmaneuver and destroy the opponent.
- Grid/map-based navigation — Players use maps with coordinates to determine position and track the enemy submarine; multiple maps per scenario exist.
- Real-time teamwork — All players operate their roles simultaneously in real time, requiring rapid communication and coordination to locate and attack the opposing submarine.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hands down phenomenal
- interactions between the players... you're hands down phenomenal
- the interactions from what I've seen and heard on this game between the players as you're going is just hands down phenomenal
- I can't wait to get this thing to the table
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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