7.7
rating
Ludopedia
6.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a good brainy duel for two and love abstract games with simple rules but tactical depth, Aqualin is a gem! It's an aquatic puzzle that challenges you with every move.
Highlights
- Clever strategic duel
- Easy to learn rules
- Surprising tactical depth
- Quick and engaging games
- Beautiful, thematic components
Keep in mind
- Two-player only
- May not appeal to strong theme seekers
- Requires strategic thinking
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Down in the deep sea, the reef is in an uproar! In Aqualin, an abstract strategy game for two players, the goal is to create the largest schools of fish or groups of colors. Each round, the active player chooses one of six available sea animal tiles and places it on an empty space on the board. The cool part is that one player is focused on grouping creatures of the same color, while the other tries to form groups of identical animals, regardless of color. And the cherry on top? Before placing a new tile, you have the chance to move an already existing tile on the board to rearrange the scene and form new schools. This movement flexibility is what makes Aqualin so interesting, allowing for tactical plays and unexpected twists. The larger the group you manage to form, the more points it's worth at the end of the game. The game continues until the board is completely filled, and whoever has the highest score is crowned the master of the schools. It's a fast-paced and engaging brain duel, where every move counts and anticipating your opponent's plays is crucial for victory. Get ready to dive into this aquatic dispute and show who has the best strategy on the reef!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
KOSMOS, 999 Games, Devir, IELLO, Zvezda
Designer
Marcello Bertocchi
Artist
Sophie Rekasowski
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
4,446owners
693wishlist
52want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Aqualin?
Aqualin is an exclusive two-player game, perfect for strategic duels and direct confrontations.
What is the average playtime for Aqualin?
Aqualin games are quite fast, usually lasting between 20 and 20 minutes. Ideal for playing multiple times in a row!
Is Aqualin a complex game to learn?
No, Aqualin's rules are super simple and easy to learn. The complexity lies in the strategic depth of your choices, not in memorizing rules.
What is the main objective in Aqualin?
The main objective is to form the largest groups of fish of the same color or the same species, depending on your role in the game. The larger the group, the more points you score!
Can I move an already placed tile on the board?
Yes! Before placing a new tile, you have the option to move an existing tile on the board to rearrange the scene and optimize your groups or hinder your opponent.
Does Aqualin have a strong theme or is it more abstract?
Aqualin has a light marine life theme, with fish and colors, but at its core, it's an abstract strategy game. The focus is on mechanics and tactics, not narrative.
Who is Aqualin best suited for?
It's perfect for those who enjoy abstract strategy games, two-player duels, and challenges that require planning and anticipation. If you like Chess or Checkers, you'll feel right at home!
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