Through the years, we’ve seen some spectacular micro-games that make good use of some parts, probably popularized by a extremely profitable little recreation often known as Love Letter. Air, Land, and Sea: Critters at Battle is one other recreation that makes use of only a small quantity of playing cards, taking two gamers to the three theaters of battle to battle it out head-to-head. This version is a re-theme of the sport Air, Land, & Sea, however so far as I’m conscious the principles for this model are the identical.
Air, Land, and Sea: Critters at Battle is a two-player lane battler with a listed playtime of 20 minutes.
Gameplay Overview:
Three massive playing cards are positioned horizontally between gamers, denoting the theaters of battle: air, land, and sea—however not essentially in that order. Every participant is dealt a hand of six playing cards. Each card matches one of many three theaters and could have a listed power of 1-6. Gamers alternate turns, enjoying a single card to an identical theater. Alternatively, a card could be performed facedown with a power of two to any theater. Most playing cards have a listed means that may enable gamers to change the principles indirectly, maybe to flip a card or transfer a card from one theater to a different.
A spherical ends when either side have performed all of their playing cards, or when one facet chooses to give up. The participant who controls essentially the most theaters on the finish of the spherical scores a lot of factors: 6 if all playing cards had been performed and nobody surrendered early, however fewer factors are awarded to the winner relying on when the loser selected to forfeit the spherical. The playing cards are then shuffled and re-dealt and a brand new spherical begins. A participant wins as soon as they’ve 12 factors.

Recreation Expertise:
Whereas I discussed Love Letter within the intro, this recreation has nothing in widespread with that one besides a small variety of playing cards (18, to be exact). The sport I’d truly relate it to is Battle Line from Reiner Knizia, as gamers are evaluating playing cards towards their opponent’s playing cards in the identical lane. This one is totally different although—slightly extra simplified as you’re solely making an attempt for the upper sum. Nonetheless, complexity is launched by means of the cardboard talents, which elevates this expertise from a easy recreation of battle, to one thing extra strategic.

Whereas luck elements into the playing cards every participant is dealt, what card you play and whenever you play it completely issues, and the way you reply to your opponent’s performs can have a big effect. There may be room for sneak maneuvers and misdirection. Typically a spherical is determined by that final card a participant is holding—perhaps they’re at the moment shedding, however they play a card that provides +3 power to all adjoining theaters, or one that enhances their facedown playing cards from a power of two to 4! In different situations, if you understand victory is nigh unimaginable, you’ve gotten the choice to again down early so your opponent scores fewer factors and you’ll stay to battle one other day, maybe turning the tide in your favor.
Whereas most video games in my expertise lasted a bit past 20 minutes, they didn’t fairly drag on. Play is generally snappy, however there are situations the place you’ll mull over your flip for a short while, calculating your odds of victory and your greatest subsequent transfer. So far as replay worth, I believe it’s respectable right here. Repeat performs actually lend familiarity with the playing cards, serving to you make extra knowledgeable selections, however the way you craft your technique and play a spherical is set by how one can make use of the distinctive set of playing cards you’ve been dealt. Whereas I like that tactical side of the sport, gamers who prefer to type their technique upfront may really feel pissed off or on the mercy of the playing cards.

Remaining Ideas:
Air, Land, and Sea: Critters at Battle is an effective little recreation to take a seat right down to as a warm-up or wind down for recreation evening, or whenever you simply wish to squeeze in a fast match on the finish of an extended day. It’s not teeming with depth and technique, however the resolution area it manages to current with a restricted quantity of playing cards continues to be spectacular. You don’t usually get dealt a straight-up horrible hand, however having the choice to again out early to chop your losses is a small boon if it does occur, even when it’s the much less enjoyable choice. I believe gamers who take pleasure in a quick, move-and-counter-move tactical recreation expertise will take pleasure in this one.
Remaining Score: 3.5 stars – Johnny, get our gun, the critters are coming!
Hits:
• Plenty of technique for a small recreation
• Enjoyable look and nice artwork
• Fast, tactical gameplay
Misses:
• Can get dealt an unfortunate hand
• Solely a lot room to plan forward
• Surrendering early is anti-climactic