Premise
Picture the scene: you are a humble fisherman living a lonely life at sea, reeling in the fresh catch, when you discover something unusual…
In an alternate history where Edmund Halley’s “Hollow Earth” theory may prove correct, fishermen wracked with deep regrets must combat their conscience alongside the hideous creatures lurking in the murky waters.
With their livelihood on the line and an upset in the balance of nature, will the anglers be able to face the dangers of the sea in the name of trade?
The Game
Deep Regrets is a fascinating strategy-based horror game that focuses on the profession of fishing. Suitable for 1-4 players, this game takes around 30 minutes per player to complete. The driving point of this game is to fish, decide whether to eat, mount, or sell your catch, all while managing the level of regret you carry. Too much regret, and you will spiral into utter madness!
In a timeline set over a week, your chosen angler will travel between the port and the sea, aiming to reel in the best catch. The longer you spend at sea, the more…unusual…fish your angler will reel in. By spending regret, resources and energy, you can boost your haul and increase your chances of winning the game. When you have reached the end of the game, the totals are added up through the fish held in your hand, the fish that were mounted, and any money. If you are the player with the most regret, you unfortunately have to lose your most valuable fish during the scoring process.
While inspired by Lovecraft, gothic horror, and various video games, Deep Regrets is unique in its storytelling. Judson Cowan successfully crafts an entertaining world full of mystery and mayhem. Immediately, the player is drawn to the expertly illustrated components of the board game. From the ominous tentacles that cover the box to the painstakingly detailed 117 individual fish cards, Deep Regrets is nothing if not a labour of love.
There is a lot to Deep Regrets, however beautifully crafted. The set-up took longer than I would have expected for a game that was expected to last 30 minutes and ended up being far more complicated than necessary. You quickly find yourself running out of space, no matter the size of the table you are playing on. While this might not have been an issue for those playing the solo option, more players can find it overwhelming.
While Deep Regrets implies a severe focus on conscience in both the title and the gameplay, I found this lacking throughout. When the player reels in questionable fish, they can gain “regret” or impact the opposing player. However, I felt this did not happen enough, with very little player interaction throughout.
There is no doubt that Deep Regrets is a beautifully crafted game. Through combining horror and humour, Judson Cowan has created an enjoyable experience for many players for years. With the expansion, Even Deeper Regrets, launching in June 2025, who knows what the anglers will find in the water next!
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