Jaws*
JAWS is a suspenseful and strategic board game that captures the essence of the classic film. In this game, players are immersed in the iconic struggle between the monstrous great white shark and the determined crew of the Orca. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, where one player assumes the role of the shark, while the others take on the characters of Brody, Hooper, and Quint.
Gameplay Overview
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Roles and Objectives: One player is the shark, and 1-3 players control Brody, Hooper, and Quint. The human players aim to hunt the shark, while the shark player tries to outsmart them and wreak havoc.
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Two-Act Structure: The game is divided into two acts - Amity Island and The Orca - each with distinct objectives and gameplay, played on a double-sided board.
- Amity Island Phase: The shark player menaces swimmers and tries to remain hidden, while the human players work to locate the shark and protect swimmers.
- The Orca Phase: The game moves to the Orca ship, where a climactic battle unfolds. The human players must fend off the shark to save their sinking ship.
Game Mechanics
- Character and Event Cards: These cards define the abilities of the players and create dynamic game actions for both the human characters and the shark.
- Strategy and Tactics: Players must strategically use their cards and actions to either defend the Orca and attack the shark or, as the shark, to outmaneuver the humans and attack their ship.
Winning Conditions
- Humans Win: If the human players succeed in killing the shark.
- Shark Wins: If the shark successfully attacks the Orca and fulfills its objectives.
Conclusion
JAWS offers an engaging and thematic board game experience, perfect for fans of the movie and those who enjoy asymmetric gameplay with elements of strategy, bluffing, and suspense. The dual-phase gameplay mirrors the film's narrative, providing a unique and immersive experience. Whether you're outwitting the shark or hunting it down, JAWS brings the excitement and tension of the classic film to your tabletop.
Nominated for 1 award.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
We like Jaws so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024
- Position 7 in The best board games with hidden draw
- Position 10 in The best games from Prospero Hall 👨
- Position 59 in The best games presented at the Spiel.digital 2020 fair
- Position 10 in The best games where the map is gradually reduced in size 🗺
- Position 15 in The best games with Secret Unit Deployment 🪂
- Position 18 in The best "One Versus Many" games