Introduction:
Sunset Over Water is a lightweight set collection game. In this game, you play as an aspiring painter who goes on hikes to create landscape masterpieces. The game unfolds over six rounds, each referred to as a day, as you work towards accomplishing your daily goals by selling your paintings. What is a set collection game? Games where you earn points by gathering complete sets of items, rather than each item having its own point value.
● 1-4 players
● ~15-30 minutes
● Set collection
● Pocket edition travels well
Components:
DISCLAIMER: I have the pocket edition. All components fit perfectly into the small game box. I was initially worried because the cards are half the size of regular cards, but it does not affect gameplay.
The components of Sunset Over Water consist of high-quality cards, including landscape cards that you arrange into a 5×5 tableau. Each of these cards features one or multiple icons in the top left corner, which you use to match commission cards. Commission cards are the cards you receive when you sell your paintings. The planning cards are exciting because you can draw three each time and choose one. Then, you place the last two at the bottom of the deck. Depending on your goals for the day, planning cards that were excellent for you in the last turn may not be suitable at all this turn. The game also includes four reference cards that are perfect for newcomers and anyone needing a rule refresher. The four artist tokens are super cute, although they don’t come in yellow or red, which are the colors my wife and I prefer.
Gameplay:
The game consists of six rounds, known as days. During your turn, you select a daily goal card to plan your day, which not only determines your turn order but also guides your tableau exploration as you hike to paint landscape cards. At the end of each day, you have the opportunity to sell your paintings for commission cards and work towards achieving your daily goals.
On the sixth day, the player with the most planning cards, which are used to determine your turn order and navigate the tableau to collect landscape cards, has an advantage. Additionally, at the end of the day, you can sell your paintings and pursue your daily goals. The player with the highest renown, calculated by adding the values of commission cards, daily goals, and unsold landscapes, wins the game.
What I Like:
I love that the game can easily travel with me. The game is pretty language independent and the iconography is pretty straight forward and easy to understand. The game is easy to learn but the daily goals and planning cards give it enough replayability to make it its own game each time.
Taking picture and trying to match the sunset line is also fun, but not part of the game
Conclusion:
Sunset Over Water is a visually stunning set collection game that is suitable for both new and experienced gamers. While its compact pocket edition may not fit in my small sweatpants or jean pockets, the game travels well. The game features straightforward iconography, ensuring that players won’t struggle with the rules. The inclusion of daily goals and planning cards adds replayability, making each playthrough unique.I like that the game is simple yet strategic. Additionally, as the days grow shorter in upstate New York, it’s a delightful way to go on a virtual spring/summer hike.
About the Author
Coty is an avid reader, board gamer, reviewer, and playtester who enjoys everything from fine-tuning rulebooks (even in Spanish!) to designing 3D print upgrades. Follow her on Instagram. More thoughts and favorites are shared at KaCo Plays.
