JAWS - A Hidden Movement Game that Surprised Us!
When we first heard about the JAWs hidden movement game we were intrigued… but truthfully, also very skeptical. In other mediums (like video gaming) it's not uncommon for such film adaptations to lean heavily on the popularity of the film, relying on the fan base to carry the experience. Despite our reservations we kept seeing it rated highly by other players so we sought it out. If I remember correctly we ended up winning it in a BGG auction for a very reasonable price and now I’m glad we went for it!
The premise of JAWS is simple yet iconic: a deadly great white shark terrorizes the waters of Amity Island, and it's up to a group of brave individuals to stop it. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, left an indelible mark on pop culture, but could a board game capture the same excitement and tension? We had our doubts.
Balanced Gameplay:
One of the standout features of JAWS is its remarkably balanced gameplay. The game is divided into two acts, each with its own unique set of rules and objectives. In the first act, players take on the roles of different characters from the film, working together to locate the lurking shark before it claims too many victims. The tension here is palpable as you strategize and use your character's special abilities to outsmart the shark player as their movement is hidden and so you are constantly trying to pin them down.
Act 1: Defending Amity Island
The second act, where the shark player takes control, provides a complete shift in dynamics. Now, it's the shark's turn to hunt the other players! (And yes, as the shark I absolutely sang the iconic shark theme at every opportunity and I WOULD do it again). The thrill of the chase, the cunning strategies, and the sheer joy of playing the predator are all captured flawlessly in this part of the game.
Act 2: Final fight on the Orca
Immersive Theme:
Of course, part of what makes JAWS so engaging is its adherence to the source material. The game's components, from the boat and shark miniatures to the character cards, are beautifully designed and evoke the film's atmosphere. The thematic integration is not merely superficial; it genuinely enhances the gameplay experience.
The tension and excitement of the film are effectively translated into board game mechanics. The feeling of being hunted by a relentless predator or the rush of trying to outmaneuver your opponents as the shark is both thrilling and satisfying. JAWS is a shining example of how a thematic board game can truly immerse players in its world.
Strategy Decisions:
One thing that sets JAWS apart is the wealth of unique strategy decisions it offers. As the human players, you must carefully plan your moves, coordinate with your teammates, and anticipate the shark's actions. Meanwhile, the shark player must cleverly choose when and where to strike, creating a cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps everyone engaged. The hidden movement also adds to the replayability of the game because you’re contending with different strategists as different players take on the role of the shark each time you play!
Our initial skepticism about the game turned out to be unfounded. It defied the anticipated pitfalls of an adaptation, delivered balanced gameplay, immersive theming, and a plethora of strategic choices. It’s also a delightful game to share with newcomers to the modern gaming world. The theme itself is well known enough to attract new gamers but the game itself truly delivers for seasoned gamers, too.
Don't hesitate to give this one a try! I’m sure glad we did.
