AQUA: Pocket Edition

In AQUA, you and your rival curators compete to design the most captivating water-themed exhibit. One curator believes in the power of vertical alignment, stacking paintings to create a dynamic flow that mimics the natural movement of water. The other curator favors horizontal structure, arranging artworks side by side to tell a cohesive, flowing story across the gallery walls.

Taking turns, you strategically place paintings on a grid, aiming to create either vertical or horizontal groupings. When the exhibit is complete, points are awarded based on the strength of these alignments. The curator with the most points wins, proving their artistic vision was the most compelling. But, beyond the competition, the result is a stunning exhibit that showcases the beauty and essence of water through art.

The heart of gameplay in AQUA lies in the strategic placement of paintings. Players must carefully consider each move, aiming to maximize their preferred alignment—whether vertical or horizontal—while disrupting their opponent’s strategy. The grid-based system requires players to think ahead, anticipating how their choices will impact the final exhibit. This creates a balance of creativity and competition, with each placement having the potential to shift the game dynamics.

The scoring system rewards players based on the creation of groupings—vertical stacks or horizontal rows—of three or more paintings. The size and complexity of these groupings determine the score, with larger, more intricate alignments earning higher points. However, scoring isn't just about creating the largest group; players must also consider the strategic value of smaller, well-placed alignments that can block their opponent or set up future opportunities.