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Space Cadets: Away Missions (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Space Cadets: Away Missions is a cooperative, science fiction board game published by Stronghold Games in in 2015. Designed by Dan Raspler and Al Rose, the game is set in the Space Cadets universe and focuses on players taking on the roles of space marines exploring alien-infested space stations. With a mix of adventure, fighting, and space exploration, the game offers an immersive gaming experience for 1-6 players.

Game Components of Space Cadets: Away Missions

  • 100+ high-quality plastic figures** of Rocketeers and aliens
  • Hexagonal map tiles** to create various mission environments like UFOs, rocket ships, and space stations
  • Unique player characters** with special abilities
  • About two dozen items and weapons** for character equipment
  • Scenario guide** with multiple scenarios, especially enhanced for Kickstarter backers
  • Dice** for combat and skill checks

    How To Setup Space Cadets: Away Missions

    Setting up the game involves arranging the hexagonal map tiles to form the scenario’s environment, such as a flying saucer or space station. Players choose their characters and equip them with items and weapons. Each scenario has specific setup instructions, including the placement of alien forces and the random chits that determine enemy spawn points. The initial setup can be lengthy, especially for the first few plays, but it becomes more streamlined as players become familiar with the process.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative gameplay: Players work together as a team of Rocketeers.
  • Dice combat: Using d10 dice for combat and skill checks, with successes and “Overkill” powers.
  • AI-controlled aliens: Smart AI manages the actions of the alien enemies.
  • Exploration: Players flip over tiles to reveal new areas and load them with monsters based on random chits.
  • Tactical planning: Players choose the order of their actions to manage the distance from which enemies spawn.
  • Campaign story: The game includes 20 linked scenarios, with the option for endless variety through custom missions.
  • Objective: Defeat the alien forces, explore UFOs, and acquire alien technology.

    Player Experience

    Players describe Space Cadets: Away Missions as a blast, super fun, and fast-paced. The game has a great 50’s sci-fi theme and is praised for its cooperative gameplay and high replay value. While some find it easy to pick up, others note that it takes a while to learn and set up. The game’s design and components are highly praised, with many considering it one of the best cooperative games they own.

    Pros

  • High-quality components: Excellent miniatures and map tiles.
  • Great theme: Captures the essence of Golden Age science fiction.
  • High replay value: Numerous scenarios and customizable missions.
  • Smart AI: Engaging and challenging alien enemy management.
  • Tactical depth: Dice combat and Overkill mechanics offer strategic options.
  • Fun cooperative experience: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

    Cons

  • Setup time: Initial setup can be lengthy.
  • Learning curve: Some players find it not super quick to learn.
  • Overkill mechanic variability: Can sometimes result in unforeseen outcomes.

    Personal Thoughts on Space Cadets: Away Missions

    Space Cadets: Away Missions is ideal for fans of cooperative games, science fiction, and tactical combat. It’s perfect for groups of 1-6 players who enjoy a challenge and appreciate a game with deep replay value. While it may take some time to learn and set up, the game’s engaging mechanics and high-quality components make it a rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a game that feels like an RPG but with the ease of a board game, this is an excellent choice.

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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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