This Kickstarter had the highest number of previews labeled as "Reviews" that I've ever seen. Even people who previously didn't call them that before. Kind of obnoxious.
In a way, I think that’s why I backed away from the Kickstarter. Only reason I can give. Because from the start I was convinced this was a game for me. It looked special. But I have so little faith in paid “reviews” and all the hype, that I thought I’ll just wait until some real reviews start coming. Now after seeing this real review, I do wish I’d stuck with it and backed the kickstarter. I’ll definitely be buying this at retail.
There’s a fan made solo mode on BGG if you want to check it out (we went with Roboshark and Octobot). Full disclosure I made it so I’m biased but I’ve been having fun with it.
I really hated my play of this. Not only the ending being a random scissors paper rock, but also the shark is on a harsh timer and gets severely penalised for attacking blind, strongly discouraging that kind of play. There was so minimal strategy, and no player interaction, that the octopus just did some learning, while the shark did their own thing. It is a gorgeous production, but the gameplay so half-baked.
Your experience echos some BGG reviews. I'm surprised at the contrast of reviews and glad I didn't back it but wouldn't be opposed to trying someone else's copy.
My son and I played this seven times in a row the first evening and then thought about it a lot before we had a chance to get together again and play it three more times. We love this game and haven't even tried the back of the mat or the expansions. GREAT GAME!!
My wife and I play a lot of two player games (including some deduction ones). There are so many other two player games we’d rather play. Great production, but after a handful of plays it boils down to just not being that fun. We would pick the recent Pagan: Fate of Roanoke over this every time. This is a 5.5 out of 10 for us.
Regarding the shark attack being a rock paper scissors game, I have actually found it to not be the case. The shark would try to guess which card is the most beneficial to the octopus at that stage and play the counter card. Then from the octopus' pov they need to think whether they should play the most beneficial card or another card to trick the shark. There is definitely some strategy and thinking involved
Did you guys play the same game as my group?! Out of 10 people that played it, only 1 liked it. The way it ends with "rock paper scissors" completely kills the experience. Game needs a major reworking of the ending. As the octopus, just rush food and it's a 70% win rate. Also, the designer has an army of people attacking anyone who gives a bad review or tries to sell their copy. I don't understand the hype this game is getting at all.
I enjoyed the confrontation rules, they remind me of the fight rules of Fury of Dracula (rock paper scissors where each has a different effect is more or less efficient depending on the situation of the board and in the hands of the player). Also, it basically means that statistically, the shark has to fight the octopus 2 times to win the game. The real criticism I would make is the length of the game; it's gorgeous, but it is slightly too long for the experience it offers (which you may find it enjoyable - I do)
Just want to clarify that you tried to sell a counterfeit copy on the BoardGameGeek marketplace and the publisher asked you to remove the illegal listing.
The only times I’ve seen anyone go after someone selling a copy is when they tried to sell one of the many counterfeit copies that went around before the game even delivered to backers.
