Assassins of the Sea 1.4

The deck-building strategy game Killer Snails: Assassins of the Sea offers a unique thematic experience centered around the fascinating world of venomous marine snails. Recognized for its excellence, the game was awarded Best Tabletop Game of 2016 by Playcrafting, selected for Indiecade 2017, and was a finalist for the Mensa Select Seal in 2017.

Inspired by the natural predatory behavior of cone snails—whose venomous harpoon can immobilize large fish or pose lethal threats to humans—the game explores the dual nature of such toxins, which are also utilized in developing life-saving medical treatments. Players assume the role of scientists aiming to discover potent venom peptide combinations or cabals, balancing scientific research with strategic competition.

During gameplay, participants build and manage a team of venomous snails, feeding them prey and collecting cabal peptides vital for their scientific breakthroughs. Victory hinges on effectively protecting research assets while deploying a diverse deck capable of attacking opponents, spawning marine events like tsunamis, and conducting research to unearth winning cabal combinations ahead of rivals. The game additionally provides educational insights into marine biochemistry, exploration, and the scientific method.

Strategic considerations include deciding what information to share publicly versus what to keep confidential through research efforts. Players may choose to cultivate their own snails or target those of their opponents, creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

This title was partly funded by the National Science Foundation, reflecting its educational value and scientific relevance. Suitable for players aged 10 and up, it is compatible with iPad 4th generation and newer models, as well as iPhone 5 and later devices running iOS 9 or higher.