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Risky Business
I don’t know if your group of friends is the same as mine but somehow I don’t think buying an old submarine is one of our goals. But here in the champions of tiny box games, Oink Games presents Deep Sea Adventure and this is the story line we are presented with. In the Teal-tinged box ’game board ’is ready to adapt to any surface you might find yourself on.
Deep Sea Adventure is a risk-taking game, where you and your friends have to share the same oxygen supply. I suppose that’s what you get when you buy an old rusty submarine! Up to 6 players take turns rolling the two dice and dive deeper and deeper for treasure. Each of the ruin chips has points ranging from 0 to 15 points for the level 4 chips. However, there is a twist! Every time you pick up a piece of treasure you pick up means you move one space less than your roll. Each time your turn comes around the oxygen level decreases.
One of the best mechanics of this game is the method of jumping over other players. It means the game scales well. If you encounter another player you do not count the space they occupy. You simply dive deeper! Deep Sea Adventure is also a reactionary game, if one person picks up then everyone else almost always follows.
You Didn’t Say “I Am Turning Around”
In Deep Sea Adventure, once you have dipped your toes in the water you then have to decide when to return to the surface. This is one of the best player interactions when someone forgets to say the line. It’s a bit like Uno but in this case, if you do not say you are coming back then diving deeper is where you will go.
The game is played over 3 rounds which is great for new players who will almost always finish with no points in the first round. Players begin to understand that sometimes making it back with one or two lower-scoring pieces can be better than that temping level 4. When I have played it with different groups, everyone always wants to play another game. It is extremely addictive to see how many points you can get!
As treasure is picked up their slots are replaced with blank chips. These are removed at the end of each line meaning the better points get closer each round. Another good feature is that when a round comes to an end and players haven’t made It back to the surface the treasure sinks to the bottom in a big pile. If a player is brave enough they can pick up a pile of up to three treasures for the price of 1. This means the oxygen only moves 1 space each turn as well only one movement is lost.
We All Live In A Teal Submarine
Whoever was the one to buy the submarine in my group would never hear the end of it. But in Deep Sea Adventure, everything works perfectly. Gameplay is tight and competitive especially as people play more and more games. The hidden scoring on each of the level chips means you do quite know how many points others have on each round. The use of the dice with only faces with 1, 2 & 3 means that with one treasure you’ll not be able to move. In my experience, most people want just one more piece.
The main problem with this game can be if you have a risk-averse person. This can make it seem as if they aren't trying. Often they settle for one piece of treasure while everyone
scrambles for better scores. Often in the game, people do not score points until the final round so scoring a few points the other two isn't a bad tactic. I have found most people want to play a risky strategy and bring lots of joy to the group.
Another issue that I have just touched on is that sometimes people can score zero points. This is more of an issue if you have children or people who aren't into board games. it can be frustrating as it is hard to gauge how fast the oxygen falls. However, I think as people learn it they get used to this feature of the game.
Stick Deep Sea Adventure in your bag, and take it to friends' houses, it is a good gateway game. Most people tend to remember the novel concept and enjoyable playing time. For the price and convince I would highly recommend Deep Sea Adventure. You can be a seasoned gamer or a newcomer I think it deserves the tiny spot on your shelf and may you not turn back!
