Last Light (2023) Board Game

Last Light is a board game released in 2023 by Grey Fox Games. Designed by Roy Cannaday, Last Light is set in a science fiction universe where players take on the roles of different factions competing for resources and control of the galaxy. The game features elements of civilization building, economic management, negotiation, and space exploration.

Game Components of Last Light

Player Boards: Each player gets a player board.

Action Cards: Six action cards per player, all players have the same set.

Alien Faction Cards: Two cards per player, choose one.

Planetary Achievement Cards: Four cards, choose one.

Ships: Five small, three medium, and two large ships per player.

Extractors: Eight extractors and one colony ship per player.

Technology Cards: For research and upgrades.

Resources and Tokens: For light, damage, and other game mechanics.

Planets and Asteroids: For the rotating board setup.

Deep Space and Planetary Exploration Tokens: For exploration.

How To Setup Last Light

Setting up Last Light is surprisingly quick and easy. Each player collects their ships, extractors, colony ship board, action cards, and planetary achievement cards. Players choose one alien faction card and one planetary achievement card, returning the others to the box. The board is set up based on the player count, with planets and asteroids placed according to the setup diagram. Players place their colony ship boards, one small ship in the starting sector, and an extractor on a common resource base. Finally, players receive a technology card, and resources, damage, and light tokens are placed within reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Exploration: Move units to reveal hidden terrain and discover resources.

Expansion: Claim areas of the board and expand controlled areas.

Exploitation: Use controlled areas to gain resources and fuel growth.

Extermination: Eliminate other players’ units to expand and exploit.

Action Card System: Players choose and reveal action cards simultaneously, performing actions such as gathering resources, trading, constructing ships and extractors, researching technologies, and commanding fleets.

Board Rotation: Triggered when all players have the refresh action card.

Game Objective: Be the first player to gather 20 or more light units by reaching the last known white dwarf star.

Player Experience

Last Light offers a compressed yet fulfilling 4X experience, which is a rarity in this genre. Players take on asymmetrical alien factions, each with unique abilities, racing to control the last light in the universe. The game’s simultaneous action mechanism ensures a fast-paced and interactive experience, making it accessible even for those short on time.

Pros

Fast-Paced: Completable in under an hour.

Strategic Depth: Retains core 4X mechanics despite the shorter playtime.

Asymmetrical Factions: Unique abilities for each player.

Easy Setup: Quick and straightforward setup process.

Cons

Limited Action Cards: Only six action cards per player, which can limit long-term strategy.

High Luck Factor: Random elements like technology cards and exploration tokens can significantly impact gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Last Light

Last Light is perfect for those who enjoy 4X games but find the traditional lengthy playtimes daunting. It’s an excellent introduction to the 4X genre for new players and a great option for seasoned players looking for a quicker, yet still engaging, experience. The game’s design ensures that each playthrough is different, making it highly replayable. If you’re looking for a game that balances strategy with brevity, Last Light is an excellent choice.

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