Is the app absolutely necessary to play this game?
Yes, the app is a key component of the game and it is impossible to play without it.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Will there be a version that does not require the app?
No, we are not planning to release a version of the game that can be played without the app.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
I backed the game near the end of the first 24H period and I don't know if I made it in time to get the free wooden navigation tools! How do I check that?
All backers until number 5900 will be receiving the free tool set. All backers above that number unfortunately did not qualify.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
What is the delivery date of All-in Pledge? Is February 2018 a mistake?
Yes, this is a mistake and we can’t correct this as pledge levels are unchangeable. Sorry!
The delivery date of the game and add-ons is December 2018. For both pledge levels.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:38
How do I upgrade to the 'UBOOT All-in pledge'? And What do I do if I am a first 24H backer? I don't want to lose my free bonus!
If you have already pledged, please remember NOT TO click on the ‘cancel pledge’ button, as you will lose your backer number and you won’t qualify for the Early Backer 24H bonus (even if you are entitled to it). In order to upgrade to the ‘UBOOT All-in Pledge’, press the ‘manage your pledge’ button, next press ‘change your pledge’ and choose the ‘UBOOT All-in Pledge’. Type in the correct pledge amount and click on the ‘continue’ button, and then on the ‘confirm’ button. It’s done! If you did not make it in time for the Early Backer 24H bonus and you wish to add the Deluxe Plotting Tools to your pledge, then upon selecting the UBOOT All-in Pledge, please enter 120GBP instead of 110BGP.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
What language editions will there be available? I can't see the language I was hoping for!
ENGLISH, FRENCH, POLISH, SPANISH, GERMAN, RUSSIAN and ITALIAN editions have been officially confirmed!
Regarding other editions:
The campaign has just started, so please be patient with regard to other language editions. If we find a publishing partner for a new language edition, we will announce this immediately. If not, we will aim at preparing at least the PDF rulebook and card manifest in your language.
The game is 100% language dependent, so English edition is 100% in English, Spanish edition is 100% in Spanish etc. Some names on the game board are in German, for historical reference - this doesn’t affect the gameplay.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
How do I calculate shipping costs? When do I pay?
All the prices on the campaign page are estimations, as every stretch goal increases the weight of the game box. The shipping price also depends on the total amount of games we ship to a given country. That is why we can’t give you very accurate quotations right now.
If you multiply your pledge to take 2-4 games, we will send them in one parcel, to save you as much shipping costs as possible. Each game should weigh around 4 kgs.
If you have any question regarding shipping prices for different language editions than English, please ask your language edition publisher directly. In the opening section of the campaign page you will find the links to their websites with contact data. Thank you.
When and how to pay:
You will be asked to pay the shipping cost in the Pledge Manager after the campaign. At that time, you will be able to add extra copies of the game and items from our Add-on list.
Additional items may increase shipping costs. PHALANX is responsible for shipping the English edition of the game. The games will be shipped out from USA, EU, Canada and Australia.
The estimated shipping cost is: USA £15 to most states, £30 to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Canada £20. EU £10 to most countries (Poland - free). Other European countries £15 - £30. Asia £30, Australia £25, New Zealand £35, Oceania £45, Latin America £45, Africa £45.
You can multiply the UBOOT Pledge to get significant savings on shipping costs. For example: the cost of shipping to most EU countries will be £10 for a single game and £15 for 2-4 games, if shipped to the same address. Call your friends and save up to £25 on shipping!
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
How do I get add-ons?
You need to increase your pledged amount by the chosen add-on’s price, clicking on the Manage your pledge button. Example: your pledge for a base game is £65. If you want to get an add-on worth £20, your total pledge comes up to £85.
After the campaign ends, you can mark the items that you wish to get in the online pledge manager. It works like a webshop - your pledge amount is your credit and you can select items from the list to spend it.
IMPORTANT: You need to purchase at least one copy of UBOOT to be able to choose add-ons in the pledge manager. Some add-ons may increase the shipping cost. Shipping will also be paid in the pledge manager after the campaign ends.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
How do I read the name of this game? Why not ‘U-boat’?
‘UBOOT’ (pronounced ‘ooh bought’) is an abbreviation of the German word ‘Unterseeboot’, which simply means ‘underwater boat’. This is where English borrowed from German, and we are simply going back to the roots ;) Another reason for the title is that our game is a part of a broader family, and all its games go by the same name, which is ‘UBOOT’.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Why app-driven?
Simply because we wanted to make a one-of-a-kind game, and we had all the necessary resources to do so. The companion app in UBOOT is unlike anything you have ever seen, and allowed us to implement some crazy realistic (and fun!) design solutions. Just wait until you see it in action!
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Isn't it more of a videogame than a board game?
No, it is not a videogame with a board component tagged along. It is a flesh and bones board game which seamlessly intertwines ruthless enemy AI and unexpected real-time twists with traditional card drawing, figure repositioning, and token flipping. There is a solid digital component to the game, sure, yet no-one who has tried the game ever complained about it being too videogame-ish ;)
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Which devices and/or platforms will run the UBOOT app?
The app is designed to run on Android and iOS devices, as well as Windows PCs and Mac.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
I have concerns regarding app longevity / support. Will I be able to play this game in 10 years time?
While we cannot promise supporting the app indefinitely, then it is a fact that Phalanx (the publisher) and Playway (the investor) are companies with a strong foothold in the market and are not going anywhere anytime soon. Phalanx has been publishing games since 2009, and Playway is the second largest Polish videogame developer. If, at any point, it happens that we can no longer support the app (the likelihood of which is very low), then we will release it as open source, allowing the community to continue the game’s legacy. This will allow it to thrive even long after official support has been discontinued.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
What is the size of the cards?
58x88mm (standard European).
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Do I need an internet connection to play the game?
No, UBOOT does not require internet connection for gameplay purposes. It is required only to download the app to your device.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Isn't it another X-Com or Captain sonar? If I own any or both of these, then why should I bother with UBOOT?
We’ve heard these comparisons before, yet the fact is that UBOOT is completely different in terms of gameplay mechanics and general design philosophy. What differs UBOOT, first and foremost, is that it is a full-blown simulator. Not overly difficult to grasp, but a simulator nonetheless. Therefore, if it is realistic submarine warfare that you are after, then you really have to do yourself a favour and get UBOOT (regardless if you have played the aforementioned games or not).
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
If the captain commands the submarine, then do the other players make any decisions?
The answer is definitely ‘yes’! Truth be told, we were slightly reluctant to introduce an authentic chain of command into a cooperative board game. However, it has turned out to work amazingly well! The fact is that the Captain is not your typical alpha player that will bog the game down by quarreling with everybody over what to do. Instead, he will be running around like a headless chicken if he doesn’t have a plan, and he won’t be able to synchronise the crew without keeping communication quick and precise! Furthermore, while the captain is the most demanding role to handle, he decides only on the strategic level, whereas every role has its own decisions on the tactical and operational levels (which are never influenced by the Captain). Therefore, the captain won’t be able to pry into other players’ responsibilities. In summary, not only have we solved the alpha player problem of co-op games, but also made a breakthrough in terms of wargame realism and authenticity! The bottom line being: if you think that you are a natural-born leader, then we encourage you to play as the Captain – UBOOT will put your skills to the test like no other game before it!
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Can the game be played with fewer than four players? Does it have a solo mode?
Yes, we have been planning a solo mode from the very beginning of the project! They way it is going to work is that we also have a variable difficulty levels in the game, with each player being able to select HIS OWN difficulty level, regardless of the levels chosen by the remaining players (Think of Guitar Hero or Rock Band).
For solo mode, this will allow to simplify or turn off certain app functionalities or board game functionalities, allowing you to customize the game to your preferences. Wanna simplify everything? That’s possible. Want to keep the Captain difficult, but simplify all the other roles? No problem. All in all, the way we intend solo mode to work is that it will give TONS of customization options and turning the game down to a level that is comfortable for the solo player.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Doesn't the model significantly raise the price of the game?
Not at all! According to our estimates, it is no more expensive than a traditional board. We intend to make it available to the largest amount of players, while at the same time keeping the cost low. Inflating the price has never been our intention, as you can tell by the very attractive price tag on the base pledge.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Why have you erased nazi symbols? Wasn't this game supposed to be historically accurate?
Due to EU regulations, we are strictly prohibited from disseminating nazi iconography, and that includes certain Kriegsmarine insignia. It is only due to these legal constraints that we are forced to abstain from accurate graphic depiction of history as it was. Let us make it clear, on the other hand, that it has NEVER been (and will never be) our intention to promote nazi ideology. Our perspective is to depict history as accurately as possible, yet only within the boundaries of what is permitted by the regulations in force.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Do I have to be a submarine expert to play this game?
Knowledge of WW2 submarine warfare will definitely speed up your induction into the game, but is not necessary to enjoy it. Furthermore, everything that you need to know can be found in the game rules and the tactical guide book included with the game. The majority of people who have played the game had no clue about either the VIIC U-boat, or the theme at large. Therefore, while you don’t need to be an expert, then it won’t hurt if you read or watch something on the subject before you play.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Is it comfortable to move figures around that 3d model?
Numerous tests have shown that our model is far superior in terms of player comfort when compared to other board games of its kind. Sufficient space, rigid structure, and substantial weight all contribute to its exceptional stability and ergonomics.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
What is the 3D model made of?
2mm thick cardboard.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Will the figures come painted?
No, the figures in the base game will come unpainted.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
When is campaign fulfilment scheduled for?
December 2018.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
How does the 24H freebies and the playmat work if I order multiple copies of the game?
If the UBOOT pledge that you made is within the first 24 hours, then EACH AND EVERY additional copy that you order in the pledge manager will have those too. If the base pledge was made after the first 24 hours, then you still get the playmat with each of your copies.
Please bear in mind, that both of the above require making at least a single 65GBP UBOOT pledge.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
How does the eco leather map upgrade work? Do I get a second mat or a replacement? And what is eco leather, by the way?
All the Kickstarter free mats are made of latex. This is what you get, a premium product. The eco leather mat is a super-premium option. Natural look and feeling, thick and heavy. Both materials guarantee best print quality. Please note that the eco leather mat REPLACES the free Kickstarter latex mat. It is an upgrade, you only get a total of one.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Can I make 1£ pledge and then up my pledge in the pledge manager to get the full game and the goodies for free?
Sorry, but this is not possible. You have to make a full pledge during the campaign to get the game on the campaign rules. The game will be available later in pledge manager pre-order, but the price may be higher and the expansions will be sold separately.
Last updated: February 12, 2018 09:39
Do add-on copies of the game include Stretch Goals unlocked on Kickstarter?
Yes — add-on copies of the game will be identical to the games included in your original pledge
Last updated: June 01, 2018 15:38
What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.