Image taken from https://boardgamegeek.com/image/8134198/aqua-rove-results-oriented-versatile-explorer

Designers and Artists: Dustin Dobson, Milan Zivkovic
Publisher: Button Shy

Aqua ROVE is a follow-up to the previously released ROVE (Results-Oriented Versatile Explorer), both of which are designed as solo-only games. The first installment received high praise (and I really enjoyed it), so I was curious what the Aqua version would play like. First thing I want to point out: the Kickstarter went well, and the fulfillment occurred around the expected time frame, so that was lovely. Thanks for being on top of it, Button Shy!

Aqua ROVE is very similar to the original, but it has a few changes. First, instead of the 3×2 grid (3 columns, 2 rows), it’s a 2×3 grid, which affects decision making and planning. The major difference, though, is the new movement cards. First off, the movement cards show the direction of travel and type of travel for the module card you apply it to. In the original, the modules themselves have the movement information, so this is a fun twist since you aren’t locked in to moving one module the same way every turn. The bonus movement points also have different conditions. Rather than a specific pattern, the condition is for two identified modules to be adjacent to each other. Another small change: each module has a unique ability, and all differ from the original modules, so that also adds an extra layer of discovery and freshness.

Another fun addition to this version is what they call “Dive Mode”, where you can combine games (and modules) of Aqua ROVE with those of regular ROVE to provide a longer and more complex play option for those that have copies of both. I haven’t tried it yet, but I like that they provided something to connect the two games.

Personally, these alterations make it different enough from the original to support owning both, especially if you enjoy ROVE. That being said, there aren’t enough major distinctions to suggest it as a must-buy if you have the original. It’s essentially more of the same with tweaks and additions. It’s a super fun game that’s quick, small, and has a lot of natural replayability, so if any of this speaks to you, I’d suggest getting either version – you can’t go wrong!