Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you love fast decisions and that "how far can I go" rush, Total Tension gives you fun in 15 minutes.
Highlights
- Constant high tension
- High replayability
- Simple, quick rules
- Great for larger groups
Keep in mind
- Card draw is luck‑based
- Games can end very quickly
- Limited strategic depth
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Total Tension is the licensed version of the classic Diamant/Incan Gold, but with a Brazilian twist. Picture a crew of divers hunting for treasure in the deep sea: each round they must decide whether to keep diving or surface. Cards are revealed simultaneously; a chest means anyone still underwater grabs the gold coins, while a shark or other hazard can drain oxygen or wipe out the daring diver. The game is short – about 15 minutes – and supports 2 to 6 players, making it perfect for quick sessions with friends or family. The Push‑Your‑Luck mechanic keeps the tension high: the longer you wait, the bigger the payoff, but the chance of a nasty surprise also rises. Betting and bluffing come into play as each player tries to guess who will quit and who will press on, leading to laughs and suspicious glances. Because actions are chosen simultaneously, there are no long turns; everyone thinks and reveals at the same time, speeding up the flow. Components are straightforward – treasure, danger cards and an oxygen marker – yet the maritime artwork adds extra charm. In the end, the diver with the most gold wins. Despite its simplicity, the game offers strong replay value, with varied card combos and risk strategies each playthrough. It’s ideal for fans of light‑weight, entry‑level games (weight 1.06/5) who enjoy the thrill of a dangerous dive without a steep learning curve.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
OK
4
REC
5
REC
6
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Publisher
Grow Jogos e Brinquedos
Designer
Alan R. Moon, Bruno Faidutti
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
94owners
22wishlist
7want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players.
How long does a game take?
About 15 minutes.
What is the game’s complexity?
It’s an entry‑level game with a weight of 1.06/5, very easy to learn.
What components are included?
Treasure cards, danger cards, an oxygen marker and a small reference board.
Who is the game recommended for?
Anyone who enjoys quick decisions, calculated risk and short rounds – kids and adults alike.
Does it need a lot of table space?
No, it’s compact; just enough room for the cards and the marker.
Are there any expansions?
There are no official expansions for Total Tension at this time.
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