Oceans in about 3 minutes

[@3MBG]

Oceans is just a neat game, i love how the board state evolves. It's just an amazing example of how board game mechanics can highlight a games theme, and how theme isn't just flavour text. The theme here is evolution in the oceans, and that's how the game plays out. The board can get to a steady state at some times, and then suddenly a new species appears and everyone has to adapt. Simply brilliant how hand in glove the mechanics are to the theme here, and that's why it gets the gold medal.

[@-Tristan-]

I think it's good ...but not that good. Moving the fish around is also a bit to fiddly. What really makes this game shine imho, is the absolutely stunning art.

[@Nayr090]

Slight side note, there are acrylic fish components for sale which, aside from looking quite nice, are much easier to pick up from the ocean spots. Also, the recent expansion adds a solo mode as well as some cards that are essentially variable player powers. Glad you like the game, I certainly do as well!

[@3MBG]

Yeah, i knew about the plastic fish but not the solo mode. As always though, i only cover what's in the box in front of me.

[@marcelineleiman4330]

For the record-there IS a solo mode! It’s an expansion (that I may have designed)

[@3MBG]

Yep, as mentioned elsewhere though, i only review what is in the box i have and don't take into account solo modes that aren't bundled in the box.

[@bourneultamatum]

The solo mode is genuinely a fantastic puzzle and one of the best solo experiences I've had in board gaming! Love it!

[@marcelineleiman4330]

So glad you're enjoying it! @@bourneultamatum

[@ohtheforlanity3205]

The fact you fit in an RKO reference, and also managed to time it so it was on screen at 3:16 as well, is impressive :D

[@3MBG]

OMG, i hadn't clicked to that! I just saw "apex predator" in big letters while i was editing and slipped Randy in there.

[@jasonnewell7036]

I love how this game mimics ecosystems. A species develops a trait based on the pressures arounfld it, and how one radical new trait can have cascading effects throughout the whole system and food chains can collapse. It is an excellent game and made it's way into my top ten after I got it. I play it on my phone all the time.

[@boardgamebentos]

Love the colourful graphics and all the little fish pieces :)

[@-Tristan-]

The components and the art are stunning.

[@lancourt]

It's more intelligent design than evolution I'd say

[@sistakastet]

An amazing game probably the game I played the most. So many creative ways for stragedy plus it has such a Quick setup and a lot of replayability with scenarios and deep cards.

[@RobertKonigsberg]

The _real_ intelligent design. Gold medal snark!

[@3MBG]

I was well pleased with that line ;)

[@abruwer08]

That got a laugh out of me.

[@NorthStarGames1]

Great video as always J. Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@3MBG]

Kia ora koutou North Star Games team. Real good game and a real good time.

[@LoberoxD]

I love this one, I wish my family liked it more.

[@luukpaulussen3335]

Not sure if you have the rule wrong or if you've just worded it confusingly in the video, but the species is allowed to go to zero during ageing, just not below zero. I.e. if you need to age two and have two fish on it, it doesn't go extinct.

[@3MBG]

Yeah, probably bad wording, sorry.

[@aidanburns8097]

I think oceans is better than evolution in the idea that there isn’t one meta, whereas in evolution, hard shell, long neck, foraging, cooperation lines are kinda the meta

[@mbrochh82]

I can't believe that you only tried this recently. It's such an awesome game.

[@3MBG]

Oh, i first played this 2-3 years ago at a friends place. But i only got my own copy in a math trade recently.

[@ragnabob]

Day one backer for this game when it was on KS. Sold it eventually while I still have and play Evolution: Climate regularly. This one is just a tad too mean, doesn't produce the stories the land-based version does (visualizing fat bottomed tree climbing pack hunters are still funny) and found luck to be too big a factor in this one. Good video though, keep them coming!

[@th1ngo]

I'll have to seek out this one.

[@DHaeusler]

I love this game! Underrated imo. Definitely wouldn't use the word brutal for it - it's pretty hard to actually cause anyone's species to go extinct, besides your own!

[@3MBG]

Still, you can eat a lot of your friends fish, every turn, lol

[@DHaeusler]

@@3MBG true, but thats often not a bad thing in this game

[@Paul-ro6py]

Have enjoyed the game, agree its not really meant for family game night as a bit harsh. Found some of the stretch goal cards a little over powered.

[@RossHebden]

Nice! I enjoyed evolution well enough but this one looks like it'd be a bit more interesting from a gameplay perspective. Don't think I could find the right group for the slight nasty in it sadly.

[@LizT-qx3xl]

.... a comment! Whee!

[@7gromojar]

I have it on mobile. Just can't get into it.

[@3MBG]

I think it really works with player interaction, would be an odd one on an app