Tabletop Spotlight: Shipwrights of the North Sea
Back from the Frozen North – Shipwrights of the North Sea is under the Tabletop Spotlight!
Shipwrights of the North Sea was first released in 2014 – but it’s a game that’s so good, it’s hard to find in stock! But it’s back and our friends at Dragon’s Comics and Fantasy brought it over to show off:
Shipwrights of the North Sea is the first in the North Sea trilogy of games. We’ve actually talked about it this game before when we covered Raiders of the North Sea. Each game is completely independent and can be played as standalone games. However, you can also play them in series keeping track of your score along the way. By the end of the trilogy you’ll have had a fun afternoon of gaming and a pretty epic North Sea Saga of your own to tell!
In Shipwrights, players are attempting to build the greatest fleet possible in order to go forth and conqueror/pillage/explore. At it’s core it’s a resource management game with a bit of a card-drafting mechanic as well. What makes this game fun and interactive is that you can draft cards that can “attack” other players in-production ships. But you also need to recruit specific workers to finish your own ships. All the while, you’ve got to keep an eye on your own resources to make sure you can pay for those ships.
Players can also upgrade their “village” along the way. Building new structures is a good alternate way to score points – these are nice bonuses, but they can’t win you the game alone. The game ends after the round when 1 or more players finish their 4th ship. The player with the most VPs at the end of the game wins.
I’ve played quite a few games of Shipwrights and it’s one of those games that is always a favorite of my gaming group. If you get the chance to play do it! The art style is cool, the mechanics are solid, and it’s just a well done experience. Shipwrights of the North Sea is back in stock, so what are you waiting for!?
Shipwrights of the North Sea $50
Shipwrights of the North Sea is set in the early years of the Viking Age, circa 900 AD. As Viking shipwrights, players compete to build the greatest fleet on the North Sea. Players must collect oak, wool and iron, as well as getting other craftsmen on board to help. Gold is a precious commodity, and must be spent wisely. As you would expect, the township is filled with an array of characters, bad and worse. Better hope they’re on your side!
The aim of Shipwrights of the North Sea is to be the player with the most Victory Points at the game’s end. Points are gained by constructing various Ships and Buildings. The game ends after the round where 1 or more players constructs their 4th ship.
Put 13th Warrior on in the background and play some Shipwrights with your friends!
