Abyss

SLEEVED[IMG]https://cf.geekdo-static.com/mbs/mb_5855_0.gif[/IMG] OWN EXPANSION:
Abyss: Kraken Abyss: CUSTOM Silk Monster Token Bag

PROMO: Abyss: Key Monster Tokens (2015)

Rating based on one play, may increase when i know what I'm doing. Fun mechanics and interaction!

Bought it for the art... stayed for the gameplay. This is one of our favorites.

Abyss with Leviathan ROCKS at 2 player. Superb art. Leviathan takes it to a 10.

I simply adore the artwork, unique Merfolk theme, and clever bidding system mechanic in Abyss. And as a sucker for game components, I also really enjoy the plastic oyster cups and pearls -- these are absolutely great components to fiddle with throughout the game as you contemplate your next move.

Designer Bruno Cathala often has bidding elements in his games, and Abyss sports my favorite version in its Explore the Depths action. Without getting to deep in to the rules, it's just neat as everyone gets to decide to wait or press there luck spending pearls to recruit the available ally.

The game is relatively lightweight and I find it easy to teach as the board graphically lays out the three options on your turn as 3 distinct rows, exploring the depths, calling the senate, and recruiting a lord.

This is not the easiest game for me to get to hit a table, but a game rarely takes over 30-45 minutes. This is most often an opening game if 3-4 people don't feel like jumping directly in to a heavier game.

This game is right up there with yggdrasil in art and appearance. The idea of collecting some thing to get another thing and so on is a interesting balance.

Own the [boardgame=180341]Kraken[/boardgame] and [boardgame=232197]Leviathan[/boardgame] expansions and the [boardgame=189662]Key Monster Tokens[/boardgame] promo.

Rating could be anything from 6 to 10. I'm setting it to 9 after one play because I won. ;) If I lose next time, it'll go down to an 8. ;)

Honestly, though, this is again a very well rounded game by Mr. Catala, which combines simple game mechanics ("Go fish" in this case, a simple bidding mechanic in Cyclades) with elegant design, which is a breeze to play. I like it!