You speak my mind. I played this back in summer when it came out from Kickstarter, and boy, it was a blast. We didn't do the easy mode, because we're gamers, and yeah, it was whelming, to say the least. Our navigator sent us the wrong way once, and we had to double back to find our target. I was the one pointing out what people could do, because it was my copy and I had read the rules a lot. I really want to play again, but I dread to teach it again, and start over on basic mission. If I could get a steady group to play this... oh man, that would be so awesome.
This game is indeed an immersive experience. It is also somewhat narrow in focus regarding its appeal. If you like pressure cooker co-op games, are into submarines, and like the merging of boardgame and app technology, then this is a must-have. There is a learning curve - don’t open this one up for your group that likes only light Euro games. Also, this is not considered an app-assisted game, where the app handles all the bookkeeping. This is more of a hybrid - half app and half boardgame. The app handles many of the game functions; however, other things are dealt with on the board, without any app interaction at all (meals and injuries for example). This game is easily one of my favorites. My group, who played a lot of Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, really enjoy it. For my part, what I like best about it, other than the fact that it drips theme, is the interaction between the players. Everyone has plenty to do; and, each position contributes heavily to the success of the mission. With regard to the OP’s comment about the chief engineer being boring, we let the CE decide in what order the repairs will be done, instead of the Captain making those decisions. The Captain will let the CE know how many repair orders he will be issuing, as well as what he intends to do in the next part of the mission. The CE then decides how best to prepare the boat accordingly. Between that and manning the engines and ballast tanks, the CE position shouldn’t be boring at all.
This is easily one of my favorite games of 2019. I’ve only played it solo, and bought it strictly for solo play. It’s not that difficult once you learn it but there is definitely a steep learning curve. The app can be paused which really makes a difference. A must play if the theme interests you at all. But this is more of a simulation then a game. One truly worth trying however.
The best way to describe the game is indeed as an experience. I've never had a boardgame create such an incredible and tense atmosphere. One huge downside: the engineer doesn't have any decisions to make. He only has to listen to the captain where to put his guys. We fixed this by playing it with 3 players. And we just move the engineer.
Yes, engineer is just keeping this damn thing afloat, reminding everyone where the could die of fire or electricity. It's more like a puzzle: where and when to place your workers and instruments. Ow, and solve "the real" puzzle, of course :>
Thanks for doing this first impression Tom! It was quite satisfying to hear about the experience alone, I thought I wrote this game off due to the app dependency but now it’s back in the consideration pile. It looks great in those pictures you included, that’s for sure.
i think it helps if you are a Silent hunter 3 fan to understand some of the concepts. But the comment about "it might just be a pc game" well, it pretty much is! UBOOT is an early access game that is currently in development and in early access. Its sort of ruff but it's progressing in a good way.
I played this once. We played for like 4hs straight and achieved nothing, YET, it was the most inmersive game I've ever played. We even joked on how if you ran this game in a closed room with no windows and slightly themed as a submarine, you would really feel like you were inside one. I can't recomend more giving it a go even if the idea doesn't call your attention at all just because of the incredible experience it is to play this
Glad to see this get a video. I backed it on Kickstarter but have yet to play it properly for reasons cited in the video! I wonder which rule-set these first impressions were based on? The original as written or the v1.2 rules which the app points you to?
I’ve been playing that one a lot recently. Been a fan of the Silent Hunter series for years, so Uboat was a no brainer buy. It’s still rough around the edges, but what’s there works well.
Did this just come out or something? Because I haven't seen this on any "best games of 2019" lists so far, even though game seems to get a lot of love. Came too late, I assume
It didn't have a big retail release (typical for Phalanx games) and it is very expensive. Been out for a while, but I think it never really got a lot of momentum.
By the way, it is not pronounced You boot, it is U like the double o in wood and boat, like the English word 🤪 Thanks, I have the game and haven’t tried it yet for the very reasons you mentioned. Thanks for the first impressions
Come to think of it, a tiny robot should be included with each and every board game, to help players go through the complicated rules... (That would be nice!)
This "when does the app stop and the boardgame begins" issue is what bugged me with FFG MoM and Journeys too. I love those games, but there always seems to be a lingering feeling that the boardgame aspect hinders the experience as much as it improves it - the physicality of components and tabletop presence is an awesome thing, but it is also limited and costly. If 50% of the game is virtual and you constantly have to switch between the physical and virtual world (or even mentally combine the two to have the whole picture - like Journeys having enemy figures on the board but all other enemy-related mechanics in the app), isn't it easier, cheaper and more practical to make EVERYTHING virtual then? This doesn't mean I think app-driven boardgames are necessarily a bad trend.. just that I have extra appreciation when the game manages to do complex creative stuff with just the physical components (like 7th Continent or AH LCG for example).
I agree. I'm going to play MoM today and have played Journeys. Journeys worked fine enough but I get your point that it can feel weird at times. Concerning UBoot, I think the app is a necessary tool there and I have no idea how you would do it otherwise. As such I think the pros outweigh the cons. The app is mainly simulating the outside world, while the board is what happens inside the boat. In that case it improves the experience in my opinion since it gives a sense of isolation and detachment from the outside world, which supports the submarine theme. In addition there's the function where you can switch on noise detection. So you have to be careful to not make too much noise, ie. by whispering, to avoid detection by enemy ships.
I enjoy Tom's reviews/first impressions. But I also take it with a grain of salt that he(and the rest of the Dice Tower Trio) are generally board gamers and not war gamers. This game(I own it) is a blast and not that difficult as far as complexity is concerned. BUT...my perspective is coming from having played Fields of Fire, Advanced Squad Leader, etc. So your YMMV depending on where you are coming from experience wise. Regardless...this is a fantastic game and if it at all interests you, I would highly recommend getting ahold of it. It's Captain Sonar on steroids.
*But there is a Computer Game... It's Called U-Boat from Deep Water Studios, but i agree, mixing Board with Mobile it's kinda cursed, because everytime you use your Mobile you break the Game Immersion*
I sold my copy unplayed. The app didn't work on my tablet (no indication on KS page it wouldn't), so instead of spending money on a new tablet to replace a perfectly good one, got my money back to put into new games I can play.
Great Impression. I probably still will not get this Tom, but someday, if I had a viable PC, ya never know. (Or if I found a used copy in a thrift store for super cheap😄).
I’d much rather play Captain Sonar. Unfortunately, how much fun you have playing UBOOT is vastly dependent on which role you are playing. I was the chief engineer and found the gameplay incredibly boring. The other roles seemed far more interesting and fun, and the other players all agreed.
My years of playing Silent Hunter games on the PC has prepared me for this game.
You speak my mind. I played this back in summer when it came out from Kickstarter, and boy, it was a blast. We didn't do the easy mode, because we're gamers, and yeah, it was whelming, to say the least. Our navigator sent us the wrong way once, and we had to double back to find our target. I was the one pointing out what people could do, because it was my copy and I had read the rules a lot. I really want to play again, but I dread to teach it again, and start over on basic mission. If I could get a steady group to play this... oh man, that would be so awesome.
You need a game butler - someone who knows the rules expertly and can also serve drinks and snacks.
Don’t we all?
This game is indeed an immersive experience. It is also somewhat narrow in focus regarding its appeal. If you like pressure cooker co-op games, are into submarines, and like the merging of boardgame and app technology, then this is a must-have. There is a learning curve - don’t open this one up for your group that likes only light Euro games. Also, this is not considered an app-assisted game, where the app handles all the bookkeeping. This is more of a hybrid - half app and half boardgame. The app handles many of the game functions; however, other things are dealt with on the board, without any app interaction at all (meals and injuries for example).
This game is easily one of my favorites. My group, who played a lot of Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, really enjoy it. For my part, what I like best about it, other than the fact that it drips theme, is the interaction between the players. Everyone has plenty to do; and, each position contributes heavily to the success of the mission.
With regard to the OP’s comment about the chief engineer being boring, we let the CE decide in what order the repairs will be done, instead of the Captain making those decisions. The Captain will let the CE know how many repair orders he will be issuing, as well as what he intends to do in the next part of the mission. The CE then decides how best to prepare the boat accordingly. Between that and manning the engines and ballast tanks, the CE position shouldn’t be boring at all.
Great suggestion.
This is easily one of my favorite games of 2019. I’ve only played it solo, and bought it strictly for solo play. It’s not that difficult once you learn it but there is definitely a steep learning curve. The app can be paused which really makes a difference. A must play if the theme interests you at all. But this is more of a simulation then a game. One truly worth trying however.
I'm trying to get 4 retired navy submariners together to play. I'll get back to you in about 5 yrs.
The best way to describe the game is indeed as an experience. I've never had a boardgame create such an incredible and tense atmosphere. One huge downside: the engineer doesn't have any decisions to make. He only has to listen to the captain where to put his guys. We fixed this by playing it with 3 players. And we just move the engineer.
Yes, engineer is just keeping this damn thing afloat, reminding everyone where the could die of fire or electricity.
It's more like a puzzle: where and when to place your workers and instruments.
Ow, and solve "the real" puzzle, of course :>
That hat, suspenders, card tie... Total geek! And I love it man. I bought my dad that tie for Christmas a few years back.
Thanks for doing this first impression Tom! It was quite satisfying to hear about the experience alone, I thought I wrote this game off due to the app dependency but now it’s back in the consideration pile. It looks great in those pictures you included, that’s for sure.
Saw this being played at a convention in May and was jealous.
Is this going to be on the cruise? Sounds perfect for the cruise, or is it one of the game’s added for dice tower west?
i think it helps if you are a Silent hunter 3 fan to understand some of the concepts. But the comment about "it might just be a pc game" well, it pretty much is! UBOOT is an early access game that is currently in development and in early access. Its sort of ruff but it's progressing in a good way.
I played this once. We played for like 4hs straight and achieved nothing, YET, it was the most inmersive game I've ever played. We even joked on how if you ran this game in a closed room with no windows and slightly themed as a submarine, you would really feel like you were inside one. I can't recomend more giving it a go even if the idea doesn't call your attention at all just because of the incredible experience it is to play this
This review brings me back to those u-boot games I've had. Really good stuff, but with a fairly long time to setup and learn.
How does this compare to Space Alert ?
I have been on the fence about buying this game, but it looks really fun. The game is a bit hard to find in stores.
Glad to see this get a video. I backed it on Kickstarter but have yet to play it properly for reasons cited in the video! I wonder which rule-set these first impressions were based on? The original as written or the v1.2 rules which the app points you to?
Sounds really cool, great review.
If you want a computer game version of this there is a game called U Boat that I just bought, looks cool
I’ve been playing that one a lot recently. Been a fan of the Silent Hunter series for years, so Uboat was a no brainer buy. It’s still rough around the edges, but what’s there works well.
Did this just come out or something? Because I haven't seen this on any "best games of 2019" lists so far, even though game seems to get a lot of love. Came too late, I assume
I don’t think there were a lot of retail copies. Our Kickstarter copies arrived around the beginning of summer or so.
It didn't have a big retail release (typical for Phalanx games) and it is very expensive. Been out for a while, but I think it never really got a lot of momentum.
FYI the 'correct' pronunciation will actually be "ooboat"; sorry!
@@davidwilliams7935 For a moment I thought this WAS Das Boot!
By the way, it is not pronounced You boot, it is U like the double o in wood and boat, like the English word 🤪 Thanks, I have the game and haven’t tried it yet for the very reasons you mentioned. Thanks for the first impressions
I was just about to correct him too.
I was just about to correct him myself.
Who remembers the old Sid Meier PC game, Silent Service? It sort of sounds like a board game version of that. heh
Come to think of it, a tiny robot should be included with each and every board game, to help players go through the complicated rules... (That would be nice!)
This "when does the app stop and the boardgame begins" issue is what bugged me with FFG MoM and Journeys too. I love those games, but there always seems to be a lingering feeling that the boardgame aspect hinders the experience as much as it improves it - the physicality of components and tabletop presence is an awesome thing, but it is also limited and costly. If 50% of the game is virtual and you constantly have to switch between the physical and virtual world (or even mentally combine the two to have the whole picture - like Journeys having enemy figures on the board but all other enemy-related mechanics in the app), isn't it easier, cheaper and more practical to make EVERYTHING virtual then?
This doesn't mean I think app-driven boardgames are necessarily a bad trend.. just that I have extra appreciation when the game manages to do complex creative stuff with just the physical components (like 7th Continent or AH LCG for example).
I agree. I'm going to play MoM today and have played Journeys. Journeys worked fine enough but I get your point that it can feel weird at times. Concerning UBoot, I think the app is a necessary tool there and I have no idea how you would do it otherwise. As such I think the pros outweigh the cons.
The app is mainly simulating the outside world, while the board is what happens inside the boat. In that case it improves the experience in my opinion since it gives a sense of isolation and detachment from the outside world, which supports the submarine theme. In addition there's the function where you can switch on noise detection. So you have to be careful to not make too much noise, ie. by whispering, to avoid detection by enemy ships.
I enjoy Tom's reviews/first impressions. But I also take it with a grain of salt that he(and the rest of the Dice Tower Trio) are generally board gamers and not war gamers. This game(I own it) is a blast and not that difficult as far as complexity is concerned. BUT...my perspective is coming from having played Fields of Fire, Advanced Squad Leader, etc. So your YMMV depending on where you are coming from experience wise. Regardless...this is a fantastic game and if it at all interests you, I would highly recommend getting ahold of it. It's Captain Sonar on steroids.
*But there is a Computer Game... It's Called U-Boat from Deep Water Studios, but i agree, mixing Board with Mobile it's kinda cursed, because everytime you use your Mobile you break the Game Immersion*
I sold my copy unplayed. The app didn't work on my tablet (no indication on KS page it wouldn't), so instead of spending money on a new tablet to replace a perfectly good one, got my money back to put into new games I can play.
One could use a pc I think.
@@eliashartmark1522 doesn't that defeat the purpose of a board game?
What tablet n OS do you have?
@@charleslatora5750 A 10' Toshiba running Android 4.2.4. It has handled every app I threw at it great, this was the only one so far it didn't take.
wrcpatrick I don’t think so.
Great Impression. I probably still will not get this Tom, but someday, if I had a viable PC, ya never know. (Or if I found a used copy in a thrift store for super cheap😄).
Wow I can’t believe this game hasn’t came out yet
But it has... pretty sure you aren't seeing it on shelves because the first print sold through.
All FLGSs in my area have it on sale, because no one seems to be buying it, though :(
ccggenius12 oh really? My bad, Tom must of just never got around to iy
This is a rreally good game but learning all the rules is really hard.
There is a computer game called U-Boat on which this game is based.
This is how you play UBOOT: ua-cam.com/video/SmkIh-Z8em4/v-deo.html
I’d much rather play Captain Sonar. Unfortunately, how much fun you have playing UBOOT is vastly dependent on which role you are playing. I was the chief engineer and found the gameplay incredibly boring. The other roles seemed far more interesting and fun, and the other players all agreed.
Sounds like a job rather than a game.
jobs can be fun until they are forced :P
Pronounced just like “boat”.
“EW-BOAT”
The game lost me at "Needs a app"...
Wah wah
OK Boomer.
@@RushyoTakha - What a original reply! I hope you didn't strain both your brain cells thinking up that one.
Cool but too complex and we try to stay away from apps and radiating screens. Blah.
Radiating UA-cam videos.