Aquarius — Price & soundtrack

Looney Labs, Covenant Communications, Inc., Hobby Japan · Board game · 1998
6.4 Ludopedia 6.1 BGG 2–5 · best 4 10–30 min Weight 1.1/5
Buy · from US$ 7.25
6.4 rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Aquarius is that game you pull out when you want something light, quick, and that still makes you think a little. Perfect for those looking for a domino-like experience with an extra dose of strategy and interaction, it shines at casual tables, whether to warm up the crowd or to end the night. The simplicity of the rules hides a fun layer of tactics and some good laughs with the Action cards that can mess everything up.

Highlights
  • Quick and easy to learn
  • Vibrant and fun visuals
  • Direct player interaction
  • Simple and effective components
  • Great for beginners
Keep in mind
  • Can be repetitive long-term
  • Luck of the draw
  • Lighter strategy
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey board game enthusiasts! If you're into a quick, colorful game with a domino-like feel but way more spice, Aquarius is for you. Released in 1998, this super fun card game challenges you to be the first to connect seven panels of a specific element. Sounds simple, right? But things get interesting with Action cards that can turn the game upside down!

In Aquarius, the dynamic is pretty straightforward: you have three types of cards. Element cards are the stars of the show, working like dominoes that you connect to form patterns. Each player receives a Goal card, which secretly indicates which of the five elements (water, fire, earth, air, and aether) they need to connect. And to spice up the game, Action cards allow you to make some unexpected moves, such as swapping goals with another player, re-arranging already played tiles, or even stealing a card from someone's hand.

Each round, players draw a card and then play one, trying to expand their element connections or disrupt opponents' plans. The artwork is vibrant and the pace is super fast, making Aquarius a great choice to warm up the table or for a casual game night with friends. It's a game that proves not all abstract games have to be serious, mixing placement strategy with the excitement of action cards.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Card Games: Draw and Discard Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena
Publisher Looney Labs, Covenant Communications, Inc., Hobby Japan, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
Designer Andrew Looney
Artist Andrew Looney

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

3,361owners
196wishlist
29want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is Aquarius a complex game or easy to learn?
Super easy! The rules are very intuitive, and the dynamic is similar to dominoes, but with a card game twist. In less than 10 minutes, you'll be playing and having fun.
How many players can participate in a game of Aquarius?
It works well for 2 to 5 players. The experience changes a bit depending on the number, but fun is guaranteed in any configuration.
What is the average game duration?
Games are quite fast, usually between 10 and 30 minutes. It's perfect for filling a little time or for several consecutive rounds.
Does the game involve a lot of luck or is it more strategic?
Aquarius has a nice balance. Drawing cards certainly has an element of luck, but how you position your tiles and use Action cards requires a good deal of strategy and observation of opponents.
What are the main components of the game?
The game consists of Element cards (which you connect), Goal cards (which define your secret objective), and Action cards (which allow special moves). Everything is very compact and portable.
What kind of audience is Aquarius best suited for?
It's ideal for families, casual gamers, and those just starting in the world of board games. It's also a great choice for anyone looking for a quick and fun 'filler' between heavier games.

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