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Introduction: Embark on a Tarot-based Mathematics
The Shipwreck Arcana is a cooperative card game that challenges players to work together using tarot-inspired cards (and a bit of maths!) to unlock hidden mysteries and escape an island of doom. With its focus on deduction, communication, and puzzle-solving, the game stands out as an intriguing and immersive experience. The Shipwreck Arcana promises a relatively simple but rewarding journey that will make you feel clever.
In this review, we’ll break down the gameplay, strengths, weaknesses, and everything else you need to know to determine if The Shipwreck Arcana is worth your time.
Game Setup: “Preparing for the Mystical Journey”
Setting up The Shipwreck Arcana is quick and easy, though the gameplay can become quite intense once you begin.
What’s Inside the Box?
20 Arcana Cards
15 Expansion Cards
1 The Hours card
1 Token bag
1 Rulesheet
1 Score Token
1 Doom Token
35 Number Tokens
21 Fate Token
Setup Steps:
Shuffle the Fate deck and place it in the center of the table.
Deal 4 Arcana cards and “The Hours” card in the centre of the play area.
That's it. We were Impressed by the speedy set up.
Gameplay: A Puzzle to Solve Together
At its heart, The Shipwreck Arcana revolves around players trying to deduce certain numerical values using the cards in their hands. Each Fate token can take the number from 1-9 (including three of each number) Then players take turns placing fate tokens which will in turn reveal the other (unplayed) token remaining in hand.
The trick is that each player knows the Fate numbers in their own hand but not those of the other players, requiring careful communication to figure out how the cards work together to achieve the goal.
Players will need to cooperate, communicate carefully, and solve puzzles with a limited amount of information. It’s a game that focuses on tactics and choice but can feel quite cerebral.
The Fate Deck
The Fate deck adds a layer of unpredictability to the game. It introduces new potential information that either help or hinder the players progress depending on their tokens in hand. Some events will allow you to reveal more clues, while others force you to discard or reshuffle cards, making each playthrough feel fresh and challenging. The Fate deck keeps the tension high as it can dramatically change the direction of the game.
What We Like About The Shipwreck Arcana
1. Decisions, Decisions!
The game excels in its decision, each card played, has different information output, and figuring out the right combination to get the players to correctly guess can be difficult but rewarding.
2. Fun Artwork and Atmosphere
The artwork in The Shipwreck Arcana is fun and mystic. The tarot-inspired imagery enhances the overall feel of the game, making the experience feel more like an immersive story rather than just a card game.
3. High Replayability
Thanks to the randomness of the Fate deck and the cards in play, no two games are alike. Players will have to approach each new card with a new strategy, providing excellent replay value.
4. Quality Components
The game’s cards are high-quality, with a sturdy feel that enhances the tactile experience. The imagery on the cards is high quality, making it enjoyable to handle as well as play.
5. Cooperative Play Creates Bonding
The cooperative nature of the game fosters teamwork. Working together to solve the puzzles creates a strong sense of camaraderie and accomplishment when the players succeed.
What We Dislike About The Shipwreck Arcana
1. Learning Curve
While the rules are well-explained, the game could be difficult for non-gamer newcomers or less thinky-players to pick up, especially for players not accustomed to cooperative or puzzle-based games. It may take a few rounds before you truly understand the best strategies to use.
2. Limited Player Interaction
Although the game is cooperative, the interaction between players can feel quite limited. Most of the game is focused on interpreting your cards and solving the puzzle independently, which may not appeal to those who prefer a more social or interactive experience.
3. Slow Gameplay
While the gameplay isn’t slow per say, since the rules state you draw a token/s at the start of your turn this means you can’t plan ahead, which can mean waiting for a player to make a hard decision.
4. Minimal Competitive Elements
There’s very little conflict in the game. While this is typical for cooperative games, some players may miss having any form of competition or challenge beyond the puzzle itself. If you’re looking for something more dynamic or with a bit of tension between players, this might not hit the mark.
5. Variable Sessions
Because of the puzzles and the reliance on deduction, The Shipwreck Arcana can result in lengthy play sessions at higher player count, where each turn can take longer to analyze. But very quick (potentially) at lower player count. So slightly unpredictable there
Final Thoughts: A Solid Card Game with Room for Improvement
The Shipwreck Arcana is an enjoyable, relatively simple cooperative game that thrives on its mysterious theme, basic but thought provoking mechanics, and beautiful artwork and its high replayability ensures that every game feels fresh.
However, the learning curve, and athematic based gameplay. If you enjoy tactical games that require careful strategy and communication, this game will likely be a hit. For those who prefer faster, more interactive experiences, The Shipwreck Arcana might feel like a bit of a slog.
If you're a fan of games like "The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine" or "The Mind", The Shipwreck Arcana offers a similar level of depth and complexity but with a Tarot twist.
