Sea Salt & Paper is an enchanting card game by Bruno Cathala and Théo Rivière, immersing players in a whimsical world of origami artistry and nautical exploration. Published by Bombyx and Pandasaurus Games, it combines set collection, hand management, and strategic secrecy with the thrill of building an oceanscape. While reminiscent of Sushi Go! with its set-collection mechanics and point multipliers, it forgoes drafting. Instead, players draw and play cards with unique effects to gain advantages and score points in this delightful and engaging experience for all ages.
- Components (5/5): The game's components are a feast for the eyes. Albeit, it's just cards in a box, but they are beautifully illustrated and intricately designed. Sea Salt & Paper is a visual treat. The attention to detail in the art, iconography, and card stock adds to the overall quality that enhances the immersion of the game.
- Gameplay (4/5): In Sea Salt & Paper, players take on the roles of adventurers creating a beautiful oceanscape (thematically). The gameplay is straightforward and easy to grasp, making it accessible for a wide range of players, from casual gamers to more experienced board game enthusiasts. The mechanics revolve around set collecting, pushing your luck, and secrecy.
- Strategy (4/5): Sea Salt & Paper strikes a great balance between luck and strategy. While chance plays a role in the outcome of sea voyages (card drawing), and the availability of cards, players ado have control over their decisions. Such as which sets to pursue, what card piles to draw from, and how to manage those cards effectively. This blend of luck and strategy makes every game session feel different and enjoyable.
- Replayability (4/5): The game offers a variety of cards, ensuring that no two games are alike. This replayability is enhanced by the different player strategies and choices that can be employed throughout each playthrough
- Theme (5/5): The maritime-origami theme is where Sea Salt & Paper truly shines. The charming art, and maritime theme incorporated into the game immerse players in a world where whimsicle meets seafaring. It's an enchanting theme that will make you feel like a daring adventurer on a quest to create the most exotic collection of animals.
- Overall (4.5/5): Sea Salt & Paper is a delightful and visually appealing card game that successfully blends maritime adventure with artistic creativity. Its accessibility, strategic depth, and captivating theme make it a great choice for game nights with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned board game enthusiast or some chump off the streets just getting into games, this game offers a taste of competitve gameplay mixed with casual elements that will keep you coming back for more. Smooth sailing and happy mermaid hunting!
The game revolves around set collection and strategic decision-making. Players draw and play cards to build sets, which score points based on their combinations. Notable sets include shells, octopi, penguins, and sailors, with additional point multipliers and special cards like the elusive mermaids. If a player collects four mermaids, they automatically win the game, a rare but exciting possibility. A standout feature of Sea Salt & Paper is the end-of-round decision-making. Players must choose between declaring "STOP" to end the round and score their current points or "LAST CHANCE," which gives opponents one more turn but offers a potential scoring bonus if the declaring player ends up with the most points. This push-your-luck mechanism keeps the game tense and engaging, as timing becomes critical to victory. Being a pocket-sized game, it is perfectly positioned to be a grab and go game choice for that night out at the bar, a break from studying group or any other activity when you have downtime. I've been currently playing at work during breaks and lunch.
One of the game's highlights is its stunning art. Designed by Lucien Derainne and Pierre-Yves Gallard, the cards showcase origami creations, photographed to create an enchanting visual experience. This artistic touch enhances the immersive theme of maritime exploration and collecting.
The game is designed for 2–4 players, ages 8 and up, with a playtime of about 30–45 minutes. Its straightforward rules make it accessible to families and casual gamers, while strategic depth ensures appeal for seasoned players. The variety of card effects and player choices guarantees high replay value, with each session offering a fresh experience.
Coming to retail January 10, 2024 will be the pocket-sized expansion: Extra Salt. This will expand on the already pocket-sized game by including a booster pack with 8 new cards with 5 new effects.
- Jellyfish:
- 1 point for each combination of Swimmer and Jellyfish card
- Effect: On their next turn, opposing players can only draw the first card from the deck. They cannot play any cards or end the round. - Lobster:
- 1 point for each combination of Lobster and Crab cards
- Effect: The player takes the first five cards from the deck, adds one of them to their hand, then returns the other four to the deck and shuffles it. - Starfish:
If a player has a duo and Starfish card in their hand, they can form a trio and place these three cards in front of them. The Starfish adds 2 points to the duo (therefore, the trio is worth 3 points).
- Effect: Cancels the effect of the duo cards placed with the starfish. - Seahorse:
Effect: The player can use the Seahorse to replace a missing Collector card (octopus, shell, penguin, or sailor). They must have at least one card for that collection in their hand. They cannot gain more points than the maximum indicated on the matching Collector card. - Crab Multiplier:
1 point per Crab card (this card does not count as a Crab card)
Sea Salt & Paper is a beautifully crafted game that seamlessly blends strategy, luck, and artistic charm. It’s ideal for those who appreciate games with depth but also want a visually stunning and quick-paced experience. Whether you're a board game enthusiast or looking for a unique game to share with friends and family, this is a treasure worth exploring.
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