21Moon (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

21Moon is a board game released in 2020, designed by Jonas Jones and Christopher Stenseth. The game falls under the categories of Economic, Trains, and Transportation, and features mechanisms such as Auction/Bidding, Network and Route Building, Stock Holding, and Tile Placement. The game is best played with 2 to 5 players, with an optimal player count of

Game Components of 21Moon

Map: Features seven base camps, numerous hexes with terrain costs, 17 hexes for mineral deployment, and a special hex for the Rocket Launch Pad.

Tiles: Use a typical sequence (yellow-green-brown-gray) and are limited, making tile management crucial.

Minerals: Four types, randomly assigned during setup, which determine the value of the hexes.

Corporations: Players operate up to seven corporations, each with its own shares and funding mechanisms.

Tokens: Include corporation tokens, mineral tokens, and other game-specific tokens.

Stock Chart: Tracks the value of corporations and minerals throughout the game.

How To Setup 21Moon

To set up **21Moon**, players begin by randomly assigning the four types of minerals across the map. Each corporation is given a starting base, and one of the seven base camps is randomly chosen to be inaccessible until mid-game. Players must distribute the corporation tokens and set up the stock chart. The game includes a fixed round tracker, ensuring each game has a consistent structure.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: 18XX series, Economic, Strategy

Mechanics: Stock manipulation, tile placement, resource management, player interaction

Objective: Players aim to be the most successful investor by collecting dividends and shares in the different corporations during the 11-month permit period before the freight rocket returns to Earth.

Perfect Information Game: No dice rolls, hidden cards, or random events; players must outwit and outmaneuver each other.

Player Interaction: High interaction, with options to collaborate or disrupt other players’ plans.

Game Length: 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with a fixed round sequence.

Player Experience

Playing **21Moon** is a strategically intense experience, especially for fans of the 18XX series. The game offers a unique blend of classic 18XX mechanics with the intrigue of a futuristic theme. Players need to manage resources, manipulate stocks, and navigate the challenges of moon mining. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, with the best experience typically found with 4 or 5 players due to the high level of player interaction.

Pros

Innovative Theme: A fresh take on the 18XX series, set in a futuristic moon colonization scenario.

High Strategy: Offers deep strategic gameplay with multiple layers of decision-making.

Player Interaction: Encourages collaboration and competition among players.

Replayability: Each game has a variable setup, ensuring different experiences.

No Random Luck: Perfect information makes the game purely strategic.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a 22-page rulebook, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires time to master, especially for those new to the 18XX series.

Limited Tiles: The scarcity of tiles can lead to intense competition for resources.

Personal Thoughts on 21Moon

**21Moon** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts, particularly those familiar with the 18XX series. It offers a unique twist on traditional train games, appealing to fans of economic and strategic gameplay. The game’s futuristic theme and high level of player interaction make it an engaging and challenging experience. While it may be complex for new players, the game’s design and mechanics make it accessible and enjoyable for those willing to invest the time to learn it. If you enjoy space-themed games, train games, or are looking to dive into the 18XX series with a fresh perspective, **21Moon** is definitely worth exploring.

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