Ahoy, designed by Greg Loring-Albright and published by Leder Games, sails into the niche of asymmetric strategy games as a spiritual successor to Root. Players take on roles as the Bluefin Squadron, Mollusk Union, or Smugglers, each with unique mechanics and goals. Despite its promising concept and gorgeous artwork, Ahoy struggles with convoluted rules and uneven gameplay. While it offers some interesting moments, the overall experience feels more like a shipwreck than a smooth voyage.
Gorgeous Seas, Murky Waters
Ahoy delivers visually with its vibrant and quirky artwork by Kyle Ferrin. The modular board, detailed faction pieces, and bold iconography create a stunning nautical world. Each faction’s design reflects its personality: the militant Bluefin Squadron, the rebellious Mollusk Union, and the opportunistic Smugglers. These elements make the game a feast for the eyes.
However, the thematic integration feels surface-level. The factions’ roles lack the charm and depth of its predecessor, Root. The asymmetry—a cornerstone of Leder Games—feels forced here, making it harder to connect with the game’s narrative. While the presentation is top-notch, it fails to mask the underlying gameplay issues.
Gameplay: Strategy Overboard
Ahoy’s mechanics revolve around area control for the Bluefin Squadron and Mollusk Union, while the Smugglers engage in pick-up-and-deliver gameplay. Players roll dice to take actions, such as moving ships, battling, or gaining influence. Key mechanics include:
Asymmetric Factions: Each faction offers unique gameplay, encouraging varied strategies.
Dice Management: Action dice determine your moves, adding an element of randomness to planning.
Region Wealth and Fame: Smugglers’ deliveries increase region wealth, benefiting area control factions.
While these systems sound compelling, the execution is clunky. The dice mechanic often feels restrictive, and the asymmetric goals create an uneven pacing that leaves some players disengaged. The pick-up-and-deliver aspect for Smugglers lacks excitement, reducing their role to repetitive tasks.
A Voyage of Frustration
Playing Ahoy is a mixed bag. The factions’ distinct mechanics initially intrigue, but the convoluted rules and lack of cohesion quickly dampen the excitement. The Bluefin Squadron and Mollusk Union’s area control feels competitive, but the Smugglers’ role struggles to hold the same weight.
Interaction between players is limited, often making the game feel like separate puzzles rather than a shared experience. The reliance on dice rolls for critical actions adds unnecessary frustration, especially when luck trumps strategy. Additionally, the learning curve is steep for what should be a lighter game.
Ahoy’s replayability suffers due to its imbalanced factions and overly complex rule set. While it’s possible to enjoy it in the right group, the inconsistent experience makes it hard to recommend widely.
Final Reflections: All Sails, No Wind
Ahoy aims high but falls short. Its gorgeous presentation and ambitious design are overshadowed by uneven gameplay and convoluted mechanics. For fans of Leder Games, it might be worth exploring, but others may find the journey more trouble than it’s worth.
Who is this game for? Players who enjoy asymmetric strategy games and are willing to navigate a steep learning curve might appreciate Ahoy. Casual gamers should steer clear.
Final Rating: 6.0 out of 10
The Bottom Line: Ahoy dazzles with its artwork and concept but falters with clunky gameplay. A hit-or-miss experience for fans of asymmetric games.
Check our Rating Scale here.
Want to check more? Take a look at the videos/reviews below:
- Watch the “How to Play” video on YouTube
- The Dice Tower Review
- Read the rulebook here.
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