Backstories: Alone Under the Ice — Prices

La Boîte de Jeu, BoardM Factory, Evrikus · Board game · 2024

— Ludopedia 7.0 BGG 1–6 · best 2 Solo 50–70 min Weight 1.2/5

Buy · from US$ 9.28

— rating Ludopedia

7.0 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 9.28

Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a good story with choices that truly matter and a game system that puts you in control, Backstories: Alone Under the Ice is an excellent choice. It's a cooperative game that delivers an immersive narrative experience, almost like an interactive gamebook, but with the tangibility of board game components. Perfect for those seeking a solo or group adventure, with a touch of mystery and the thrill of uncovering secrets.

Highlights

Engaging and immersive narrative
'Point & click' mechanic
Decisions with real consequences
Innovative components (perforated cards)
Replayability with multiple endings

Keep in mind

High language dependency
May be short for some
Story-focused, not strategy-focused

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a breathtaking adventure in Backstories: Alone Under the Ice, the first chapter of the Backstories saga! Your brother, Jean, has gone missing in Mont-Blanc, and the only clue is a mysterious letter mentioning research and a Nazi treasure lost for decades. Now, as Sophie, you must climb to the top of Europe to unravel the mysteries sleeping under the ice and find your brother. This cooperative game features a super intuitive mechanic, reminiscent of classic 'point & click' video games. The gameplay is simple yet ingenious: you interact with the environment using perforated action cards (such as 'Talk', 'Search', or 'Use Object'). Simply align the action card with a panorama card (representing the scene), flip it over, and read the result of your choice. Every decision you make has real consequences and can lead to different outcomes, ensuring that each game is a unique experience. Are you ready to face the dangers of Mont-Blanc and discover Jean's whereabouts, all while searching for the legendary Amber Chamber? Your choices will shape your adventure!

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–6 players

1 BEST

2 BEST

3 REC

4 OK

5 OK

6 OK

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher La Boîte de Jeu, BoardM Factory, Evrikus, GateOnGames, Gémklub, Ravensburger AG, リゴレ (rigoler), Tranjis Games

Designer Anthony Perone, Jules Messaud

Artist Cyrille Bertin

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,327owners

206wishlist

22want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions

How many players can play Backstories: Alone Under the Ice?

The game is designed for 1 to 6 players, making it super versatile for solo play or with a group. The cooperative experience works well with any number within this range.

What is the average game duration?

A complete game typically takes between 50 and 70 minutes. It's an ideal time for a game session that immerses you in the story without dragging on too long.

Is it a complex game to learn?

Not at all! The 'point & click' mechanic with the perforated cards is very intuitive and easy to pick up. The complexity lies more in the narrative choices than in the rules themselves.

Do I need to know English to play?

Yes, the game has an 'extensive' language dependency. There's a lot of text on the cards to understand the story and options, so a good understanding of English (or Portuguese in the translated version) is essential.

Does the game have replayability?

Absolutely! Your choices matter and lead to different story branches and multiple endings. This means you can play multiple times and have a different experience with each playthrough.

What are the main components of the game?

The game primarily consists of cards: panorama cards that represent locations and perforated action cards that you use to interact with the environment. It's a very card-focused game!

Who is this game recommended for?

It's ideal for anyone who loves narrative games, mystery adventures, and innovative mechanics. If you enjoy solving puzzles, making impactful decisions, and appreciate a good story, you'll love it!