Kelp: Shark vs Octopus

Categories: Animals, Bluffing, Card Game, Dice, Environmental

Mechanics: Area Movement, Dice Rolling, Hidden Movement

Players: 2

Ages: 10+

Playtime: 40–60 Min

Kelp is an innovative two-player asymmetrical board game that immerses players in the natural world of Pyjama Sharks and Common Octopuses. Set in the rich, dynamic environment of a South African kelp forest, this game blends hide and seek, bluffing, manipulation, and a mix of deck-building and dice bag-building mechanics for a truly thrilling experience.

Dive into the Underwater Adventure

Players take on the roles of two iconic sea creatures, each with a distinct playstyle and path to victory:

• The Octopus: Cunning and adaptable, the Octopus uses stealth to navigate the board. Players can manage hidden and revealed blocks to mirror the creature’s remarkable camouflaging abilities. By playing cards strategically, they can outwit their opponent and survive the relentless hunt.
• The Shark: Ruthless and determined, the Shark patrols its territory to hunt the elusive Octopus. By rolling dice and leveraging special abilities, the Shark player embodies the predator’s natural instincts while mitigating luck to stay on the trail of its prey.

This balance of asymmetric mechanics ensures each playthrough feels unique and engaging, closely reflecting the real-life behaviors of these remarkable sea creatures.

Multiple Ways to Win

Kelp offers three thrilling endgame conditions, keeping players on the edge of their seats:

1. The Shark wins by successfully attacking the Octopus.
2. The Octopus wins by surviving until the Shark is exhausted.
3. The Octopus also wins by eating all four seafood tokens scattered throughout the game.

Why Choose Kelp?

Kelp isn’t just a game; it’s an immersive journey into the underwater world, offering:

• Asymmetric gameplay tailored to mimic real-life marine behaviors.
• A strategic blend of deck-building and dice bag-building mechanics.
• High replayability with unique paths to victory for both players.

If you're a fan of thematic, strategic games with deep immersion, Kelp is the perfect choice for your next game night.

Components:

1 Double-sided Board, 1 Shark Miniature (without wash, not painted), 15 Blue Dice, 10 Yellow Dice, 10 Red Dice, 23 Shark Cards, 4 Growth Tiles, 18 Blocks, 24 Octopus Cards, 6 Confrontation Cards, 1 Hand Size Token, 2 Cotton Bags, 4 Player Aids, 1 Rulebook