Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
Turning Tides is a naval battle between two players. Each player takes control of a ship that they will have to manage.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Area Movement
Move pieces between connected regions rather than along individual spaces.
Programmed Movement
Plan movement commands in advance before revealing and resolving them.
Advantage Token
A transferable advantage changes ties, priority, or the strength of an action.
Command Cards
Use cards to issue orders and determine which units or actions can activate.
Modular Board
Build the play area from interchangeable sections that vary between games.
Slide/Push
Slide or push pieces so their movement displaces or rearranges others.
Read the full game description
Turning Tides is a naval battle between two players. Each player takes control of a ship that they will have to manage. During rounds the ships will sail past each other zone for zone in a modular style. During each step of sailing, players will be able to draw and play an action card which will either help them place new sailors and cannons on their ship, utilize movement of units or the ships themselves, or attack the enemy ship. Play happens simultaniously throughout the game, which means the game has litte idle time. In between rounds players have the option of swapping cards from- and into their playing deck, which changes the capabilities of each player for the next round. You win a game by either destroying three zones on the enemy ship to sink them, or get rid of the entire enemy crew as to set them adrift into the rocks. You will have to position your crewmen and cannons tactically to do as much damage to the enemy boat as possible, all the while trying to avoid your opponent from doing the same to you. Aside from that, you have your captain to think about. Losing them is a costly mistake and will give opponent the upperhand. A game focused on patience, tactics and outwitting your opponent.