The term Old Salt has its root traced back to 1840, referring to seasoned sailors with deep naval expertises. That’s the same essence captured in the game. Tim Ferry III transforms the intense naval warfare experience to fit the tabletop medium. Players navigate through the hexagons in the colour of ageing yellow parchment paper.
Old Salt by Tim Ferry III (Never Board Games) — Kickstarter
Never Board Games, the publisher behind Old Salt, successfully brought this game to life through their Kickstarter project. The game comes convoluted. And the box is pretty heavy. When you crack open the box, you’ll find it packed to the brim with various components. With a reasonable price tag, Old Salt is a bargain in my book.
For those looking to elevate their gaming experience, this game comes with an additional box filled with extras to pimp up the game. It’s a nice-to-have option. But, in all honesty, the basic box already boasts stunning table experiences.
Braving the sea with Old Salt
What can I say but outstanding? Old Salt boasts functional mechanics, running together a solid game. The game demands a keen grasp of strategic approach. Sailing is no walk in the park. It requires a good understanding of when to set sails and harness the trade winds, for instance.
This is equally crucial when deciding the moment to attack rival ships or capture some islands. Sure, there’s some dice rolling in the mix. But Old Salt needs more than just your luck to emerge victorious.
The faction abilities keep Old Salt consistently interesting. Each of them brings the unique perks to the table, allowing its player to carve out different paths to victory. I appreciate the evident balance among them. There’s no looming overpowered effects that disrupt the gameplay.
What I like about Old Salt is how it presents reality in its combat system. In particular, the cannon-shooting dynamics. Like when we’re firing at a ship’s broadside, they get a chance to shoot back as a defensive move. This mirrors not only real-life naval engagement. It also introduces another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Post-combat, after we’ve successfully blasted an opponent’s ship, is another aspect I appreciate. The debris and shipwreck left behind can hinder our smooth sailing plans.
Old Salt, A NAVAL WARFARE GAME FOR ALL
Despite its nature as a wargame, Old Salt is far from intimidating. In fact, it’s one of the most accessible for those new to the genre. Understanding the concept takes just a few minutes. Teaching it to fellow players won’t eat up much of your limited time to play, either.
Tim Ferry III has crafted a fantastic gateway game with Old Salt. It offers a smooth entry point for those looking to dip their toes into wargaming. A delightful addition to your collection.
Old Salt does not just limit itself to being a gateway game. It extends its audience coverage to even the seasoned veterans who love heavy wargames, too. The depth is there and satisfyingly substantial.
And with the introduction of campaigns and scenarios, this aspect injects added complexity. Restrictions, exceptions, and finely tuned rules contribute to a diverse array of strategies to achieve victories. Old Salt’s scenarios accommodate various player counts. It ensures a good gaming experience regardless of the crowd.
Verdict
Old Salt brings a more accessible wargaming experience to your table. And this aspect sets it apart from any other naval wargame out there. It’s what I really appreciate about.
In many wargames, the designers dive into historical facts. Their aim to recreate those events is complimented with some possible what-if scenarios that alter the course of events. Yet, I long for another approach. I believe there’s value in using fiction as a background story for this kind of game.
And that’s precisely what Tim Ferry has done. He took a different route with Old Salt. The game does not confine itself to specific historical moments, and it unfolds a unique universe, enriched with the background stories from each faction. Its departure from the usual historical slices is something I’ve been looking for.
I am a full-time food technologist during weekdays. However, when the calendar hits weekends, I transform into an avid board gamer. I am a hardcore Legend of the Five Rings (L5R) LCG player from Fantasy Flight Games (FFG). Current hobby: buying board games. My shelf of shame’s list is getting longer, thanks to you, Kickstarter.
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