Despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs are estimated to be home to about 25% of all marine species. Unfortunately, these vibrant underwater cities are dying. Climate change and its effect of rising sea temperatures is devastating the colorful algae that give coral reefs their brilliant hues, resulting in coral bleaching. Furthermore, other threats like pollution—in its various insidious forms—and overfishing are disrupting the delicate balance of reef ecosystems.
And so, scientists from various fields, along with the researchers studying the ecological complexity and significance of the reefs, are collaborating to address the myriad challenges facing these ecosystems. Your assignment is to take command of a scientific vessel and embark on a journey of reef conservation. Hire the best crew, clean the ocean, and restore the reefs to their former glory.
During the game, players take on the role of researchers and saviors of the oceans. You will sail the seas, hire crew, explore the coral reef, clean the ocean sectors of any pollution, and try to accomplish as many missions as possible.
On their turn players may choose to RECHARGE or TRAVEL. If they RECHARGE, they gain the rewards from the VP track. If they TRAVEL, they may deploy Reef Balls, move their Ship, play Mission cards, and perform various actions. The game is played for a variable number of rounds. When a player has crossed the 45 VP threshold, the end of the game is triggered. After an additional round the final scoring takes place and the player with the most victory points is the winner.
—description from the publisher
- strong theme with accessible mechanics
- solid mid-weight engine-building feel
- not as light as typical Bord+Dice fare
- building and routing networks across reefs
- undersea / reef network development
- conceptual and infrastructure-focused
- Rivages
- Sardinia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- route-building / network design — Players lay out routes across a reef system to optimize connectivity and efficiency.
- set collection / area control — Players gather certain cards or tiles to score and influence routes.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- break breaking news I really do got breaking news
- it's a co-op family game this is it this is it
- the box art sold me the cards were cute and colorful
References (from this video)
- Strong tutorial influence; accessible after a quick intro
- Similar vibes to Gold West; may feel redundant to some players
- Overlap with Gold West; exploration of shared ideas
- Atlantic reef/mishmash of resource management
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- shared-route building / route planning — A cross between Gold West and Doggerland with tutorial-driven play
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This is the final version right here with the final art and the final components
- Jessica honestly spent a ludicrous amount of time making this game a reality
- I designed it and she actually made this a game that you can hold in your hands
- I am so proud of this game
- It's surreal to see it here at the end
- I'm Overjoyed to see people playing it as well
- Spring cleaning oriented but there are obvious reasons
- I will cherish forever
References (from this video)
- colorful presentation for a board and dice game
- engine-building and area control balance
- not widely loved by others
- environmental stewardship
- ocean reef restoration
- eco-centric
- Reef
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — control influence across the board to gain rewards
- engine building — build an engine that powers reef-related actions
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- harmonies, which is a little spatial puzzle game.
- There is Reef Project, which is about saving the ocean and dropping little reef balls to rebuild that reef and protect it.
- This is a heavy diver game and you have a rondelle that you're moving around taking actions but also building up those spots on the rondelle to make them stronger for you and everybody else.
- I love Pirates of America. Such a good engine builder. I like the pirate theme. I think it's cute and fun.
References (from this video)
- Gorgeous cover and theme-driven art
- Accessible weight with potential for good player count
- Some hesitation about long-term appeal and balance
- Colorful reef environment with marine life motifs
- Underwater ecosystem with reef-building and card-driven actions
- Strategic yet approachable
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck-building / area control — Multi-use cards enable scoring and card-driven actions; area influence mechanics
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Abyss expansion... this is literally just a 10 card mini expansion and that's literally it
- this one has a unique style to it I think the style actually works even if it is a little basic in its like design
- the cover is gorgeous and it looked quite nice on the table from a prototype
- it's a close drafting game which is always quite cool
- I am down for a nice simple light cuddly game about rabbits
- the mechanisms sound pretty cool for me