Skymines (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Skymines is a board game released in 2022 by Deep Print Games. Designed by Viktor Kobilke and Alexander Pfister, this game takes place in a science fiction setting where players take on the role of investors trying to exploit resources on alien planets.

Game Components of Skymines

1 Double-sided game board

4 Double-sided player boards

5 Double-sided company tracks

44 Action cards

5 Track cards

36 Starting action cards

4 Single-energy cards

4 Bonus tiles

10 Starting research tokens

8 ON/OFF markers

72 Research plans

6 Special research plans

60 CrypCoin

4 Player tokens

20 Bonus markers

16 Track markers

1 First player marker

60 Outposts

4 Helium-3 markers

4 Upload markers

1 Scoring pad

4 Overview sheets

4 Luna Tokens

12 One-time bonus markers

20 Shuttles

19 Luna cards

6 Mission cards

6 Threat cards.

How To Setup Skymines

To set up Skymines, each player chooses a player board and places it within reach. The double-sided game board is placed in the middle, with the company tracks and other components arranged according to the rulebook. Each player receives starting action cards, research tokens, and other initial resources. The game includes various tracks and markers that need to be set up, and the deck of action cards is shuffled and prepared for play. The game comes with suggested layouts for the company tracks, which can be interchanged for variety.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Programming and Hand Management: Players use cards to dictate their actions each round, managing their hand carefully.

Worker Placement: Players place workers on the board to gain resources and bonuses.

Share Investment: Players invest in shares of four competing companies, influencing their expansion and profitability.

Resource Management: Managing resources such as energy, helium, and research plans is crucial.

Majority Control: Players compete for majorities in resources and company tracks to gain advantages.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most CrypCoin by investing in companies, spreading their outposts, and managing resources effectively.

Player Experience

Skymines offers a complex yet engaging experience, rich in strategy and player interaction. The game requires careful planning and management of cards and resources, making it appealing to medium-weight board game enthusiasts. The game’s mechanics, such as card retrieval and worker placement, add a layer of depth that keeps players engaged without feeling overwhelming. The lunar theme and colorful board design enhance the overall aesthetic and table presence.

Pros

High Replayability: The game features interchangeable company tracks and multiple board sides, ensuring different experiences each time.

Deep Strategy: The card programming and hand management system allows for complex planning and strategy.

Player Interaction: The game includes competitive elements like majority control and share investment, enhancing player engagement.

Visual Appeal: The game board and components are well-designed, making the game visually appealing.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be too complex for new players, requiring a significant amount of time to learn and master.

Long Playtime: Games can last 2-3 hours, which may be a deterrent for some players.

Learning Curve: The game’s rules and mechanics can be challenging to grasp initially.

Personal Thoughts on Skymines

Skymines is ideal for experienced board game players who enjoy medium to heavy euro games. It is not recommended for newbies due to its complexity and the decision space it presents. However, for those who enjoy strategic depth and player interaction, Skymines offers a rewarding and engaging experience. The inclusion of an AI opponent, Luna, also makes it a great option for solo players or those looking to add an extra layer of competition to smaller player counts.

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