I C E

This Way! · Board game · 2023
1–5 · best 3 Solo 90–120 min Weight 2.8/5
10.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy
10.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A layered exploration adventure that blends excavation with resource management.

Highlights
  • Very creative layered exploration
  • Dynamic modular board
  • High replayability through variety
  • Satisfying excavation mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Game end can feel abrupt
  • Requires careful timing
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Bundle up, because it's freezing out here! In I C E, you're not just playing a game; you're fighting to survive and thrive in a relentless, frozen world. The premise is straightforward yet deep: a lone city clings to life amidst heavy blizzards while local guilds organize annual expeditions into a valley once inhabited by ancient civilizations. Your goal? Uncover treasures, relics, and prestige buried deep beneath the ice.

The standout feature here is the layering mechanic. The board isn't a flat surface; it's built with five distinct levels of depth. You start by exploring the surface ice sheet and, as you dig deeper, you uncover artifacts from various eras, moving through intermediate layers down to the ancient edifice level. It's a race against time and your rivals to collect the most valuable items and secure the highest reputation.

The gameplay utilizes a dynamic action point system and mechanics reminiscent of Mancala for resource movement. Since the board is modular, every expedition offers a completely unique landscape, ensuring high replayability. Interestingly, removing certain ice tiles can actually provide helpful bonuses for your future actions, creating a very satisfying exploration loop. Just keep an eye on the clock—the game ends as soon as the first major edifice is fully uncovered, so move fast if you want to claim the glory!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

6 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–5 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
5 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Hexagonal Tiles Components: Wooden pieces & boards Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Theme: Archaeology / Paleontology
Publisher This Way!
Designer Bragou, Sams
Artist Léonard Dupond

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,376owners
1,770wishlist
170want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
What is the average playtime?
Expect between 90 to 120 minutes of intense exploration.
How many players can play this?
It works great for 1 to 5 players.
How complex is the game?
It has a moderate weight (2.8/5), perfect for mid-weight strategy fans.
What are the tile layers?
They are depth levels you remove to uncover rarer artifacts.
Does the board change every game?
Yes! The modular board ensures every session is unique.

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