Astronauts: The Ultimate Space Game (2011) Board Game

Astronauts: The Ultimate Space Game is a board game released in 2011 that caters to 2-5 players. With a runtime of approximately 45 minutes and an age recommendation of 9+, this game falls under the Adventure, Card Game, and Space Exploration categories. The game revolves around players taking on the role of astronauts exploring space and completing various missions.

Game Components of Astronauts: The Ultimate Space Game

20 planet cards

9 moon cards

3 dwarf planet cards

8 return to Earth cards

16 special cards

Dice

Rules sheet

How To Setup Astronauts: The Ultimate Space Game

To set up the game, each player is dealt six cards. The remaining cards are placed within reach of all players. The objective is to begin or continue a space mission by placing planet cards in a sequential order from the Sun outwards. Players replenish their hand to six cards after each turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Players aim to explore the planets and moons of the solar system and return safely to Earth to score points.

Card Play: Players play planet cards to advance their mission, special cards to disrupt opponents, or discard cards without action.

Dice Rolling: To return to Earth, players must roll a dice equal to or higher than the planet number of their last visited planet.

Sequential Movement: Planet cards must be played in order from the Sun outwards.

Special Cards: Include booster rockets, hyperspace, asteroids, black holes, wormholes, and supernovas which can aid or hinder progress.

Points Scoring: Points are awarded for successfully returning to Earth after visiting planets and moons.

Player Experience

The game is designed to be easy to learn but challenging to master, making it accessible to a broad range of ages and abilities. The gameplay is highly engaging, with the excitement building as the lead changes with each returning mission. The educational element is strong, with fascinating facts on all planet and moon cards.

Pros

Educational: Provides interesting facts about the solar system.

Engaging: Highly addictive and fun for the whole family.

Variable Gameplay: No two games are ever the same due to card draws and dice rolls.

Accessible: Suitable for a wide age range due to different levels of play.

Graphically Nice: The art on the cards is appealing and engaging.

Cons

Luck-Based: The game relies heavily on luck, which can be frustrating for some players.

Combative: Some players may find the special cards that disrupt opponents too aggressive.

Length: The game can feel a bit long for what it is.

Personal Thoughts on Astronauts: The Ultimate Space Game

This game is perfect for families, educational settings, or anyone with an interest in space. It offers a great balance between fun and learning, making it an excellent addition to any board game collection. However, players seeking games with deep strategy might find it a bit too luck-dependent. Nonetheless, its accessibility and educational value make it a great choice for introducing children and teenagers to the wonders of the solar system.

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