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Distant Suns (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Distant Suns is a space exploration board game released in 2022 by IELLO. Designed by Yeon-Min Jung and Gary Kim, the game offers players a chance to explore the vastness of space in a strategic and immersive way.

Game Components of Distant Suns

  • Player sheets**
  • Module tiles**
  • Mission tiles**
  • Exploration tiles**
  • Pencils**
  • Game board (composed of two boards joined together)**
  • Upgrade and Outer World tokens**

    How To Setup Distant Suns

    To set up **Distant Suns**, start by placing the two game boards in the center of the table, joining them to form a single board. Next, shuffle the ten exploration tiles and randomly select five to place in the large slots on the board. Separate the mission tiles into two sets and place five from each set into the matching symbol slots at the top and bottom of the board. Sort the module tiles in order and give each player a sheet and a pencil. This setup ensures all players can see the symbols clearly and are ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Key Mechanics:

  • Choose-and-Write: Players select and draw shapes based on module placements.
  • Modular Board: The game board changes with each setup.
  • Real-Time Play: All players are active during the Draw phase.
  • Upgrades: Players can claim upgrades to reduce the number of hexagons to draw.
  • Outer Worlds: Scoring points for reaching specific corners of the board.

    Game Objective:

  • Map the Cosmos: Players aim to draw shapes on their board to score points.
  • Reach Outer Worlds: Be the first to reach certain corners of the board for high scores.
  • Maximize Scoring: Place shapes strategically to score points from treasure spaces and upgrades.

    Player Experience

    In **Distant Suns**, players are constantly engaged due to the real-time nature of the game. Each round consists of an Assign phase, where the active player places a module, and a Draw phase, where all players draw shapes based on the module’s indication. This mechanism ensures everyone is involved equally, making the game move at a fast pace. The game typically lasts around 15-30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet strategic gaming session.

    Pros

  • Engaging Real-Time Mechanics: Keeps all players involved simultaneously.
  • Strategic Depth: Players must balance short-term and long-term strategies.
  • Variety in Each Game: Different module placements and mission tiles ensure variability.
  • Quick Gameplay: Games are short, lasting about 15-30 minutes.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count: Designed for up to four players.
  • Module Placement Strategy: Misplacing modules can reduce the number of turns in a round, which can be sub-optimal.
  • Luck in Placement: Some strategies are influenced by the random placement of exploration and mission tiles.

    Personal Thoughts on Distant Suns

    **Distant Suns** is ideal for those looking for a low to mid-weight game that offers quick, strategic gameplay. It’s perfect for families or casual gamers who enjoy a mix of planning and real-time interaction. The game’s ability to balance consistency with novelty in each playthrough makes it a great addition to any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for large groups due to its limited player count. Overall, **Distant Suns** is a clever and engaging game that keeps players on their toes as they navigate the cosmos.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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