Arcs – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Arcs

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Board Game

85%

WISE Score

8.0

Board Game Geek

A brilliant, brutal space opera that might end friendships—Cole Wehrle's award-winning trick-taking wargame is polarizing genius.

Arcs

Board Game

85%

WISE Score

8.0

Board Game Geek

A brilliant, brutal space opera that might end friendships—Cole Wehrle's award-winning trick-taking wargame is polarizing genius.

4.5

8.0

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Where to Play

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

Arcs is legitimately special. Cole Wehrle took trick-taking mechanics, smashed them into a space wargame, added dynamic objectives, and created something that feels genuinely new. The 8.0 BGG rating with 14K votes and multiple Golden Geek wins (including Most Innovative) aren't hype—this is the real deal.

But it's not for everyone. Reviews consistently mention how 'mean,' 'brutal,' and 'swingy' it plays. One BGG thread literally called it 'the most divorceable game ever,' which is both hilarious and telling. This creates table tension. If your family enjoys cooperative games or light competition, this will feel hostile.

For families with teens who love strategy games and can handle direct conflict without taking it personally? This is gold. It teaches high-level strategic thinking, rewards creativity, and offers massive replayability. Just make sure everyone at the table knows they're signing up for a fight.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ and adults who already enjoy medium-weight strategy games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Splendor and want to level up. The age rating is about complexity, not content—there's nothing inappropriate here, but younger players will struggle with the strategic depth and may get frustrated by the competitive nature.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A competitive space wargame that's described as 'brutal' and 'mean' by reviewers. The whimsical sci-fi setting balances the grim conflict themes, but this is fundamentally about conquering rivals and fleet battles. The trick-taking card mechanism and strategic depth encourage tactical thinking over pure aggression. Social dynamics can be tense—one reviewer literally called it 'the most divorceable game ever'—meaning it can create real friction at the table. Not toxic, but definitely competitive and potentially relationship-testing.

Imaginative

Winner of the 2024 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game award for good reason. Cole Wehrle (designer of Root and Pax Pamir) created a unique hybrid of trick-taking, area control, and 4X space opera that doesn't play like anything else. The 'declare your own objectives' mechanism means every game creates different win conditions. The whimsical-yet-grim universe, versatile card play with timing decisions, and the way players can mimic or disrupt the leader's actions creates emergent storytelling. At 3.42 complexity weight, it demands creative problem-solving and adaptive tactics. This is genuinely novel design.

Safe

Board games are inherently safe, and Arcs checks all boxes: no mature content in artwork, no gambling mechanics, no problematic themes. The 14+ age rating is appropriate for complexity, not content. The main 'safety' concern is social—this is a confrontational game that can create tension between players. Reviews note it's 'swingy' and 'polarizing,' and the 'divorceable' comment speaks to how competitive it gets. But that's board gaming, not a safety issue. For families comfortable with direct conflict games (like Catan's robber or Risk), this is fine. Just know what you're signing up for.

Enriching

This is a proper brain-burner. The 3.42 complexity weight puts it firmly in medium-heavy territory, teaching resource management, tactical planning, timing, risk assessment, and adaptive strategy. The trick-taking mechanism with a twist, the three types of combat dice, and the dynamic objective system all demand serious cognitive engagement. Players learn to read opponents, balance short and long-term goals, and pivot strategies mid-game. Multiple award nominations (including Heavy Game of the Year) signal depth. The 60-120 minute playtime keeps it engaging without overstaying. High replayability (24K owned, 9.5K wishlisted) means sustained value.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely innovative design that won 2024's Most Innovative Board Game—this isn't just another space 4X
High strategic depth (3.42 complexity) rewards smart planning, timing, and reading opponents without being overwhelming
The 'declare your own objectives' system means every game feels different and creates emergent narratives
Strong replayability with 24K+ owners and passionate community engagement
Teaches advanced strategic thinking: resource management, tactical adaptation, risk assessment, and timing decisions

⚠

What to Watch For

This can get genuinely tense at the table—reviewers called it 'mean,' 'brutal,' and 'the most divorceable game ever'
Not for casual gamers or board game beginners—the 3.42 complexity and trick-taking hybrid demands experience
Described as 'polarizing' and 'swingy'—some players love the chaos, others hate losing control
Learning curve is real; expect the first game to feel confusing before the elegance clicks

Conversation Starters

"What objective did you declare and why? Did you pivot when you saw what others were going for?"
"When you mimicked my card versus claimed initiative, what were you thinking?"
"That combat roll completely changed the game—how would you have played it differently?"
"Do you prefer games where you can plan everything out, or do you like this kind of tactical chaos?"
"Which faction or strategy felt most powerful? What would you try differently next time?"

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