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Description
The year is 1913. The steamship SS Atlantica is two days out from port on its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Its unsuspecting passengers fully anticipated a calm journey to Boston, Massachusetts, with nothing out of the ordinary to look forward to. However, strange nightmares plague the minds of the people aboard the ship every night; rumors circulate of dark shapes following closely behind the ship just beneath the waves; and tensions rise when a body is discovered in the ship's chapel, signs of a strange ritual littered around the corpse.
Lurking within the depths of the Atlantic Ocean are a swarm of vicious, unspeakable horrors: the Deep Ones, led by Mother Hydra and Father Dagon. For reasons unknown, they have set their sights on the Atlantica, and their minions, taking the form of human-Deep One hybrids, have infiltrated the steamship to help sink it from within. Each game of Unfathomable has one or more players assuming the role of one of these hybrids, and how well they can secretly sabotage the efforts of the other players might mean the difference between a successful voyage and a sunken ship.
If you're a human, you need to fend off Deep Ones, prevent the Atlantica from taking too much damage, and carefully manage the ship's four crucial resources if you want any hope of making it to Boston, all while trying to figure out which of your fellow players are friends and which are foes. Everyone shares the same resource pool, but humans will try to preserve them while traitors will strive to subtly deplete them. Being able to tell when someone is purposefully draining the group's resources is harder than you think, especially when you take crises into account!
At the end of each player's turn, that player must draw a mythos card. Each of these cards represents a crisis that the whole group must try to resolve together. Some of these crises, such as "Food Rationing", call for a choice that could potentially put the ship's passengers or resources at risk, while others, such as "Hull Leak", call for a skill test in which failure could have disastrous consequences.
During a skill test, each player contributes skill cards from their hand to a face-down pile shared by the group. Once everyone has contributed (or chosen not to), the cards are shuffled, then revealed. If enough of the correct skills were contributed, then the group passes the test! But if the wrong skills were contributed, they can actually hinder the results, leading to failure. Thus, skill tests are dangerous opportunities for traitors to sabotage the humans' efforts, so you have to stay on your toes at all times.
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2021
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 10
This page: 10
Sentiment:
pos 7 ·
mix 3 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–10 of 10
Video BKb7HUhdof0
analysis at 2:08 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 62520 · mention_pk 155193
Click to watch at 2:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- elegant, deep skill-check mechanic
- strong thematic production and tension
- high replay potential with varied scenarios
Cons
- steep learning curve for complex rules
- alien-player skill heavily influences enjoyment
- rulebook and FAQ can be inconsistent
Thematic elements
- hidden role deduction, cosmic horror, paranoia among survivors
- steamship setting during a Lovecraftian horror story
- ensemble mystery with trader deception
Comparison games
- Dead of Winter
- The Thing
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hidden roles — players operate under secret identities with potentially conflicting loyalties
- leader-influenced action allocation — the leader distributes actions, adding uncertainty about actual outcomes
- sabotage vs. cooperation decisions — traders must choose when to sabotage or preserve cards for later checks
- secret contribution skill checks — on crisis events, players secretly contribute cards face down to a shared pool
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Unfathomable uses this skill check system where every time a crisis happens, all players secretly contribute cards face down. Then we shuffle them together and reveal.
- The cooperation bonus rule, where you play characters together, was written so confusingly that we had to dig through Arata to figure out which character actually lays down.
- Dead of Winter is not trying to be a pure traitor game. It's using hidden roles as a vehicle for emotional storytelling.
- Buy Dead of Winter for most groups. It's flexible on player count, the rules are clear enough, the thematic experience is strong, and it generates those emotional moments that you end up talking about afterward.
- Unfathomable's learning curve is steep because you have multiple skill decks, a mythos deck, travel progress, deep one attacks, and all these conditional abilities based on which character you chose.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 2r-xP4hoJsU
Unknown Channel game_review at 1:16 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 60712 · mention_pk 153141
Click to watch at 1:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Strong thematic art direction and minis; immersive 1913 atmosphere
- High value player aids; readable board and ship layout
- Character diversity and backstory depth; many viable playstyles
- Flexible use of cards; synergy between items, spells, and skill checks
- Intro game and balanced starting setups; rulebook includes helpful appendix
Cons
- Color palette and room readability can hinder Lovecraftian mood
- Mythos/skill card art could be more distinct for easier play in dim light
- Potentially long and variable game length; pacing heavily group-dependent
- Late-game traitor reveals can reduce engagement for some players
- Reliance on group coordination can slow down turns in practice
- Card sleeves and protective storage are practically required due to deck size
Thematic elements
- Array
- 1913 ocean liner
- character-driven, ensemble mystery with hidden roles and evolving threats
Comparison games
- Battlestar Galactica
- Manchester Madness
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-Driven Skill Checks — Skill checks are resolved by playing colored cards that must match a final requirement.
- Character Abilities & Items — Each character has a unique set of base abilities plus items that modify play.
- cooperative actions — Players can coordinate to share actions, enabling more efficient teamwork or sabotage.
- End Conditions and Rituals — Distance to shore or ritual completion decides victory; ritual spells can end the game.
- end game bonuses — Distance to shore or ritual completion decides victory; ritual spells can end the game.
- Events — A mythos deck introduces events that influence ship state and trigger threats.
- Group Coordination / Out-of-Turn Actions — Players can coordinate to share actions, enabling more efficient teamwork or sabotage.
- hidden roles — Each player is secretly assigned a loyalty card; some are traitors among the crew.
- Jail / Brig Mechanic — A space on the ship acts as jail; players can send others there to manipulate checks.
- Mythos Deck / Events — A mythos deck introduces events that influence ship state and trigger threats.
- Resource and Hull-Safety Management — Fuel and hull integrity are critical; low resources cause defeat.
- Resource management — Fuel and hull integrity are critical; low resources cause defeat.
- Ship Movement and Track Growth — The ship advances along a movement track; reach a distance to win or trigger events.
- Track advancement — The ship advances along a movement track; reach a distance to win or trigger events.
- Traitor Game — A separate deck used by traitors to sabotage and complicate checks.
- Treachery Deck — A separate deck used by traitors to sabotage and complicate checks.
- Two actions per turn — On each turn a player performs two actions (move, explore, or play cards) before passing.
- Unique player powers — Each character has a unique set of base abilities plus items that modify play.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Unfathomable is just this theme meets gameplay of 1913 cruise ship gone wrong
- the ship's ritual track and travel tracks are genius
- I'm the traitor
- this is a long social deduction and there's a lot of luck
- I'd like to hear your thoughts on unfathomable if you've played
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ir7mzbJOGZw
Unknown Channel analysis at 22:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13740 · mention_pk 40125
Click to watch at 22:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high thematic tension and social dynamics
- strong role-based asymmetry and hidden objectives
Cons
- educational burden to understand loyalties and interactions
Thematic elements
- hidden loyalties and shipboard intrigue
- high-sea voyage with Lovecraftian horror elements
- social deduction with thematic flavor
Comparison games
- Blood on the Clocktower
- Wavelength
- Code Names
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hidden loyalties / hidden roles — each player has a secret objective and hidden loyalty that drives play
- teamwork with deception — players must collaborate while pursuing conflicting goals
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- asymmetry is The Game's capacity to encourage and force different decisions from players by creating unique advantages or disadvantages
- turn order is the plague the kill of so many otherwise symmetrical games
- it's a pure unfiltered symmetrical game and it's a perfect example for our base level
- a single difference will create a Cascade of changes that dramatically changes the play style and strategy between each player
- asymmetry lets us express and connect to a very human feeling of having personal strengths and weaknesses
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video elHn0wsiYBg
No Rolls Bard top_20_list at 13:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12935 · mention_pk 37860
Click to watch at 13:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Complex, epic space-coop with a strong production
- Campaign-like narrative depth
Cons
- High learning curve and long play sessions
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hidden movement / traitor-style deduction — spacecraft crew facing threats with hidden roles, reminiscent of BSG mechanics
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a treasure trove of puzzling riches and i love it
- this box is the campaign that takes the form of a delightful comic
- a gorgeous game unlike any i've played this year or most other years
- it's an app-driven competitive storytelling game which just boggles my mind a little
- it's all about family
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video bhQevCF8xLE
Foster the Meeple general_discussion at 17:07 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10592 · mention_pk 31233
Click to watch at 17:07 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong thematic mood
- solid social deduction mechanics
Cons
- trust dynamics can be intense
Thematic elements
- traitor/crew deduction
- ship crew social deduction in Cthulhu-esque setting
- mysterious, tension-filled
Comparison games
- Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game
- The Resistance
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hidden traitor / social deduction — players deduce who is a traitor and who is human
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's kind of like The Mind but better.
- it's a very, very good two-player game
- we are so competitive that we need to be able to turn it off
- I loved it so much I spilled my water all over the table
- we've met some of our best friends this year
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0THudCf3We4
Cardboard Herald general_discussion at 5:55 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 9429 · mention_pk 27853
Click to watch at 5:55 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Atmospheric Lovecraftian theme
- Strong narrative potential
- Familiar IP flavor for fans of FF Games
Cons
- Potential rules complexity
- Licensing constraints and market reception unknown
Thematic elements
- Deception, hidden roles, and investigation
- Lovecraftian-inspired narrative in a thematic, possibly nautical or mysterious setting
- Story-driven with tension between players
Comparison games
- Detective: A Modern Crime Board Game
- Arkham Horror
- Descent: Legends of the Dark
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric player powers / drafting — Different player abilities influence actions and outcomes.
- hidden roles / social deduction — Players may be assigned roles with conflicting objectives.
- story-driven module-based scenarios — Campaign-like scenarios with evolving stakes.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the visual overhaul and the potential for modernization has me really excited about this one
- this is a re-implementation of the Battlestar Galactica game
- the art designer now or never the box blows me away and i love that color scheme
- it's important to highlight some light games in the face of ff g behemoths
- the visual overhaul and potential for modernization has me excited about this one
- i think this award has historically been pretty spot-on
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7ucW5yqSr5Q
Squirrely Awards Channel award_show at 39:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5271 · mention_pk 15643
Click to watch at 39:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Stunning production and artwork
- Immersive theme that translates well to table
- Solid combination of deck-building, combat, and deduction
Cons
- Rules can be dense for new players
- High production cost may deter some collectors
Thematic elements
- Mystery, deception, crew dynamics, and eldritch threats
- Lovecraftian/Arkham Horror-inspired nautical horror on a pirate-ship-themed structure
- Story-driven, atmosphere-rich with hidden-role elements
Comparison games
- Arkham Horror
- Dreadful Circus
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area control and combat on a board — Players maneuver ships and combat threats on a big board.
- Deck-building / hand-management — Card-driven actions with deck-building implications.
- Social deduction / hidden roles — Players have ambiguous roles and motives influencing information flow.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the puzzles were excellent as far as for our intellect being able to figure them out
- the card play is just so clever
- field rotation and having to clear the rocks
- six ways to score; putting out tiles; very competitive
- Clash of Cultures Monumental Edition … congratulations
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 75QuD2hl418
Three Minute Board Game Patrons top_10_list at 3:38 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4922 · mention_pk 14599
Click to watch at 3:38 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- rich theme
- diverse modular scenarios
Cons
- published details and components can vary by edition
Thematic elements
- mysterious deception and storytelling with space/sea lore
- Lovecraftian-themed Arkham Horror universe
- narrative-driven, episodic
Comparison games
- Battlestar Galactica
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative with betrayal — blend of cooperation and suspicion
- hidden traitor / social deduction — players have secret roles influencing decisions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Spirit Island my all-time favorite game
- Arkham Horror holds a special place of my heart
- it's joy in a box
- Leaving Earth is my favorite in that space
- this is one of those few games where I'm like yeah I think the streamlined version is the way to go
- June is the original game for this spot
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pHDc7FwGROY
Fantasy Flight Games general_discussion at 22:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3100 · mention_pk 9042
Click to watch at 22:26 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed to positive
Pros
- ambitious Arkham Horror Files crossover with new twists
- promises strong storytelling and interactions
Cons
- shipping delays impacted availability
- complexity may deter some players
Thematic elements
- traitors and terror, cosmic horror ambiance
- Arkham Horror Files universe
- cooperative/hidden-traitor style with investigation
Comparison games
- Arkham Horror: The Card Game
- Dunwich Legacy (Arkham LCG)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- co-op with traitor elements — investigators cooperate but must discern traitors among them
- time-bound investigations — mysteries span across periods with evolving mechanics
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Legends of the Dark is the first game to take place in the newly rebranded Terranoth Legends universe
- this is compatible with epic multiplayer mode and will be released in early 2022
- the lord of the rings lcg revised core set is designed to support one to four players out of the box
- we're going to make all of those boons and burdens freely available as print and play content on our website
- two robust expansions the investigator expansion and the campaign expansion for Arkham Horror LCG
- what does a legacy game look like? that's a question we explored in an RD session
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video li8lIVlehmQ
Three Minute Board Games game_review at 2:36 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1794 · mention_pk 5192
Click to watch at 2:36 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong social interaction and high-energy group dynamics
- Tension builds slowly as ship degrades and challenges mount
- Faithful yet streamlined rework of Battlestar Galactica that preserves the core experience
- Develops its own life and legacy when played with the same group
Cons
- Effectiveness depends heavily on the group; new players can appear suspicious or traitorous
- Long playtime and complexity can be a barrier for casual players
- Group mood and behavior can influence perceived betrayals and hostility
- Not ideal for new players who are unfamiliar with social deduction tropes
Thematic elements
- cosmic horror, paranoia, hidden loyalties, survival under pressure
- A passenger ship voyage into the deep, with Lovecraftian eldritch forces awakening aboard
- story-driven with social deduction, escalating challenges and track-based outcomes
Comparison games
- Battlestar Galactica (board game)
- Dead of Winter
- The Resistance
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- brig system and penalties — A brig mechanism imposes penalties on players, delaying their effectiveness and creating stakes for decisions about loyalty exposure and rescue, which in turn influences social dynamics and blame-trading.
- card-driven actions and voting — Cards serve both as actions and as voting tokens; players use hand cards to influence outcomes and to attack or defend, reinforcing a deck-building feel within a social-deduction framework. Resource and action economy become a core strategic layer.
- combat and removal of Deep Ones — Attack mechanics allow players to remove Deep Ones from the board with a die-based or card-assisted resolution, providing direct player impact on threats and creating moments of catharsis amid mounting suspense.
- cooperative ship management and resource tracking — Players collectively manage ship resources and locations; actions on ship locations provide multiple options, requiring coordination and prioritization under threat. The ship track and ritual track serve as pressure valves that push players toward critical choices.
- hidden loyalty / social deduction — Players are secretly assigned human or Deep One loyalties; human players must cooperate to stabilize the ship while Deep Ones work to undermine it. Loyalties may shift via mid-game revelations or mythos effects, driving tense accusations and strategic misdirection.
- mythos cards and challenges — Mythos events present tests and challenges that affect tracks and ship status; players contribute cards to challenges face down, creating uncertainty about who is aiding or sabotaging the effort. Successes and failures shift the balance of momentum.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- unfathomable is a rework of the incredibly popular battlestar galactica game and it's 90% the same game with a few simplifications
- this is the perfect game for a group who loves high energy interactions and a bit of friendly mudslinging
- new players can also play poorly which can be perceived as being a traitor and end with a lot of name calling
- the best thing about this game is playing it routinely with the same group it develops its own life and legacy
- for a much simpler social deduction game try the resistance
- three minute board games does not do paid content please keep us independent by supporting us on patreon
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–10 of 10