# Oceans ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2020 - **BGG Rating**: 7.4 - **BGG Rank**: #638 - **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 3) - **Duration**: 60-90 min - **Weight**: 2.85 / 5 - **Designers**: Ben Goldman, Brian O'Neill, Dominic Crapuchettes, Nick Bentley - **Artists**: Catherine Hamilton, Guillaume Ducos - **Publishers**: North Star Games, LLC, Ediciones MasQueOca, Funforge, Gameland 游戏大陆, Grok Games, Pendragon Game Studio, Popcorn Games, Reflexshop, Rightgames RBG SIA, Schwerkraft-Verlag, TWOPLUS Games - **Categories**: Animals, Card Game, Educational, Environmental, Prehistoric - **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Hidden Victory Points, Multi-Use Cards, Open Drafting, Take That, Victory Points as a Resource ## Verdict Perfect for those who love biological strategy games and enjoy seeing their species evolve in bizarre ways. The highlight is the transition from the surface to the deep sea.Very creative card synergiesBeautiful and immersive artworkHigh replayability across sessionsWell-executed evolution mechanicsModerate initial learning curveLanguage barrier for non-English speakersRECOMMENDED ## Description Get ready to dive deep! Oceans is a stand-alone entry in the Evolution series that takes us from the sun-drenched surface waters to the darkest and most mysterious abysses of the planet. Here, you're not just playing a game; you're shaping the biology of your species to survive in an ecosystem where food is scarce and death lurks around every corner. The goal is simple, but the execution is complex: adapt or perish. The game functions as an interactive engine builder. During the first half of the match, you focus on stability, using Surface cards to create biological synergies and ensure your species can feed. You might choose to be a gentle giant filter feeder or perhaps a treacherous parasite sucking energy from others. But don't get too comfortable, because the second half of the game flips the script. That's when 'The Deep' cards enter the fray, bringing bizarre traits and disruptive powers that can completely change the game's rules and cause chaos in the ecosystem. To spice things up, there are random scenario cards that activate and deactivate throughout the game, forcing you to pivot your strategy on the fly. With over 100 unique traits and stunning artwork, every session is a new discovery. You'll have to deal with the inevitable aging of your species and the constant threat of apex predators who see you as a snack. Can you evolve in time to dominate the ocean, or will you end up as food for someone stronger? The struggle for survival is relentless, and creativity in card combinations is your only weapon. ## FAQ ### Do I need to have played the original Evolution to play Oceans? Nope! Oceans is a stand-alone game, so you can jump straight in without any prior experience. ### Is the game too complex? What's the weight? It has a medium weight (around 2.8 on BGG). It's not ultra-hardcore, but it requires planning and attention to card interactions. ### How long does a game last? Usually between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the player count and how much you debate your moves. ### How many players is it for? 2 to 4 players. It works well in any configuration, but with 4 players, the 'Take That' dynamics become more intense. ### Is the game educational? Yes, it uses real biology and ecology concepts, although 'The Deep' section leans more into imagination and the fantastic. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 8.91 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6723682&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 38.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5221660&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 42.83 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2168734&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 47.03 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2729000&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 51.51 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6308260&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 54.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4875907&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 57.83 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6722682&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 59.64 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2455032&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 60.93 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2496914&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 61.39 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=3400199&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/29239/oceans?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com