Reason 1: The theme
The underwater theme is absolutely gorgeous and provides true escapism to another world, the perfect way to end a stressful day! Featuring seahorses, sharks, whales, underwater royalty, and Matrona, a pregnant goddess adorned with gold accessories. Very luckily, she can’t be discarded, as she is a vital card: triggering all cards from the discard pile to be returned to the players’ hands. If you’re a water baby who is happiest in the water, who loves the likes of Koi, everything and anything Moana, maybe even having a water-themed tattoo!, you will love this game.
Reason 2: It can be played solo
A wonderful, structured way to recharge those social batteries whilst avoiding time on screens. You can play at your own pace, whilst enjoying that music playlist that no one else can quite bear. Plus, you can play at any time, rather than waiting impatiently until that next time you see the friends who love board games as much as you!
Reason 3: The soothing cyclical gameplay
The process of collecting cards, to play, which you then pick back up, as also seen in games like Century. It creates a flow, almost like the sea.
Reason 4: It’s not at all too complicated
It’s considered a family game, and is suited to ages 12 and up. The card descriptions are direct and short, and it isn’t one of those games where you have to consider a magnitude of different knock on effects and steps before deciding which move to make. It’s easy to learn, so it isn’t one of those niche games that only a small proportion of the population can attempt to get their heads around. It is type of game that engages you, whilst keeping some of your brain free to chat to the lovely people you’re playing with. Perfect if, like me, you have close friends who you play games with pretty much every time you see them, maybe who you met through a board game event!
Reason 5: Generous base game inclusions
The first time I played this game, I assumed the 3D manta ray pieces must be from an expansion, but no, 47 of them are included in the base box! A lovely touch that brings the game further to life. Also included is as many as 59 character cards and 56 location cards, adding to the game’s versatility and replayabilty.
If you like Aquatica, you might just love the Coral Reefs Expansion, as well as the Cold Waters one!
