Wouter & Ymke 
In a world ravaged by a nuclear catastrophe, humanity’s last refuge lies in colossal floating cities, powered by the scarce resources scattered across the remnants of the earth and the mysterious depths of the ocean. In Scarce, a board game that marries strategy with survival, players embark on daring expeditions to gather these vital materials, facing not just the relentless forces of nature but also the looming threat of a doomsday cult hell-bent on their destruction.
👥 1-4 players, ages 14+
⌛ Playing time: 30-90 minutes
📝 Designer: Kim Jansson
🎨 Artwork: Kim Jansson
🏢 Publisher: Todys Games (prototype copy provided)
The World Reborn: Floating Cities and Scarce Resources
Scarce offers a versatile gaming experience, allowing players to team up in a cooperative effort or compete against one another for survival. As captains of their own dragonfly ship—a marvel of engineering capable of navigating both the sea’s surface and its perilous depths—players venture forth in search of materials to power their floating city. The game is a test of strategy and resource management, challenging players to balance the expansion of their vessel with the acquisition of crew and the exploration of the ocean’s hidden treasures.
The gameplay unfolds over a series of turns, with each player drawing four cards to dictate their actions. These cards can propel your dragonfly ship across the waves, unlock special abilities, or be sacrificed for essential resources and upgrades. However, beware: the most potent cards accelerate the game’s time counter, ushering in a host of challenges ranging from enemy movements and event triggers to the dwindling of precious time itself.
The most remarkable thing about Scarce is its innovative dual-board setup, connecting the ocean’s surface with its abyssal depths through a network of numbered hexagons. This mechanic not only enriches the game’s strategic depth but also immerses players in the thematic journey of deep-sea exploration. As you navigate your ship, collect resources, and dive into the ocean’s depths, be prepared to face the creatures lurking below and the ever-present threat of the sea monster.
A First Look: Previewing Scarce’s Prototype
Designed by the creative mind of Kim Jansson, Scarce emerges as a compelling board game that thrusts players into a post-apocalyptic world on the brink of a new beginning. It’s a narrative of risk, strategy, and the undying human spirit, soon to make its debut on Kickstarter thanks to Todys Games, a small yet passionate indie publisher from Sweden known for titles like Here be Dragons and Clash of Galliformes. Suitable for 1-4 players aged 14 and up, Scarce offers a dynamic gameplay experience ranging from 30 to 90 minutes.
Our sneak peek into Scarce comes courtesy of a prototype provided by Todys Games, offering a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. It’s important to note that the components and rulebook we discuss are not in their final form, thus offering a glimpse into the evolving nature of the game. The publisher has shared that the prototype’s components, which we show in the pictures, are handmade and not final; expect thicker cardboard, higher quality cards, and wooden meeples in the finished version, a significant upgrade from the current plastic pieces.
Navigating the Perils of Scarce: A Glimpse into Survival and Strategy
The game’s dual-layered board stands out as its most innovative feature. This design cleverly connects spaces of the same number across both layers, offering original gameplay dynamics. The multi-dimensional board with the ocean floor offers both risks and strategic retreats from surface-level threats. Although the prototype suggests stacking these boards for a layered visual effect, visibility issues under certain lighting conditions have been thoughtfully addressed by allowing the option to arrange the boards side by side for clearer gameplay visibility.
Scarce excels in delivering a thematic gaming experience with mechanisms that deeply immerse players into its world. This thematic depth not only enhances the game’s appeal but also aids in learning its nuances, which is particularly beneficial given its initial learning curve. Cooperative play, especially, highlights the importance of teamwork and strategy, with early games often ending swiftly as players learn to navigate the challenges together. Success in Scarce feels rewarding, thanks to its engaging theme and the satisfying sense of improvement over time.
As with many deck-building games, Scarce incorporates a blend of strategy and chance, requiring players to adapt to the luck of the draw while also planning their moves carefully. Communication and collaboration are key in cooperative mode, where players must coordinate their efforts to gather resources and defend against foes.
Final Thoughts on Scarce
Scarce promises an engaging, challenging, and thematically rich board gaming experience. Its dynamic gameplay encourages adaptation and strategic planning, whether you’re working together in cooperative mode or competing in a race for survival. The game’s versatility, allowing for both cooperative and competitive play, adds to its appeal. We definitely would recommend starting cooperatively for a fuller understanding of its mechanics.
As we eagerly await the final version, Scarce stands out as a testament to the intrigue and excitement of board gaming. Its launch on Kickstarter is highly anticipated, and we recommend keeping an eye out for this thrilling adventure on the high seas. Remember, in Scarce, survival is the ultimate victory, but the journey there is equally rewarding.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a prototype of Scarce from Todys Games for this preview. The final product may differ.
