Universal Rule (2017) Board Game

Universal Rule is a card game released in 2017 by Button Shy. Designed by Chip Beauvais, this game falls under the category of Science Fiction and Space Exploration. With a runtime of 30-45 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Universal Rule challenges players to compete in a strategic space exploration adventure.

Game Components of Universal Rule

18 cards (including Planet Cards and Edge Cards)

Credits (resource tokens)

Victory point tokens

Player markers

How To Setup Universal Rule

To set up Universal Rule, players randomize a selection of Planet Cards and an Edge Card. The game can be played with a predefined combination of cards or a randomized setup. Each player chooses their starting planet and receives initial credits. The Edge Card introduces additional rules or challenges for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Colonization: Players colonize new planets to expand their galaxy.

Resource Management: Players gain credits based on the resources produced by their planets.

Exploration: Players explore new areas on their planets.

Conflict: Players can attack other planets to disrupt opponents’ resources and plans.

Objective: The first player to achieve dominance through victory points wins the game.

Player Experience

Universal Rule offers a compact yet engaging experience, fitting an entire 4X game into just 18 cards. Players must balance resource management, exploration, and conflict to outmaneuver their opponents. The game’s mechanics, such as duplicity (doubling effects) and magnitude (size of your galaxy), add layers of strategy.

Pros

Portable: The game is extremely compact, making it easy to carry anywhere.

Quick Gameplay: Games last about 45 minutes, providing a fast-paced experience.

High Replayability: The randomization of Planet and Edge Cards ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity in Small Space: The condensed design can make the game feel a bit overwhelming for new players.

Limited Player Interaction: Some players may find the interaction between players somewhat limited due to the card-based mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Universal Rule

Universal Rule is ideal for fans of 4X games who want a quick, portable experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy strategic gameplay but have limited time or space. The game caters to players aged 12 and above and supports 3-5 players, making it a great addition to any game collection for small to medium-sized gaming groups. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more immersive, long-form 4X experience.

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