The game requires a free app on your phone, tablet or laptop. Lastly, the Chief Engineer maintains the systems on the submarine, either repairing damage or patching up faults.
The Navigator actually plots the submarine’s course using a ruler and compass and an Attack Disk that determines the enemy course and bearing. The First Officer also is in charge of the companion app (more on that later). The First Officer’s most important role is to be the conduit of information between the crew and Captain, among many other things. Since certain tasks can only be done by certain sailors in a specific location, it is essential that the Captain mobilizes the crew when needed. One of his main tasks is to order a “Mobilization” which allows everyone to move their Sailor figures within the submarine. The Captain of course is in command and issues orders. And there are other tokens, cards and miniatures each player has that are unique to his or her role. They also have unique Player Panels that help organize game play. The players each have four Sailor figures that they position within the six areas on the submarine to create different effects. Each role has its own focus and responsibilities. U-Boot The Board Game is an excellent cooperative real-time simulation board game by Bartosz Pluta and Artur Salwarowski where the players take on the roles of the First Officer, the Navigator, the Chief Engineer and the Captain on a German Type VIIC U-boat during World War II. And it’s fascinating and terrifying at the same time. But as is the case with well-made simulation board games, I did find out very quickly. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped in the middle of WWII with a bunch of men in a very small and claustrophobic place that was underwater for most of the time? No? Well until I played U-Boot The Board Game neither had I. Reviewed by James Davis U-BOOT: THE BOARD GAME (Ares Games, 1 to 4 players, ages 12 and up, 30-120 minutes $99.95)