Spaceteam (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Spaceteam is a cooperative party game created by Tim Hutchings and Mathew Sisson, and published by Stellar Factory in in 2015. The game was inspired by the chaos and excitement of science fiction spaceship dramas, where players work together as a team of spaceship crew members trying to outrun an exploding star.

Game Components of Spaceteam

24 Tool cards

45 Malfunction cards

15 Anomaly cards

6 Systems Go cards

1 five-minute sand timer

How To Setup Spaceteam

To set up the game, you shuffle the Malfunction deck based on the number of players and desired difficulty level, mixing in Malfunction cards, Anomaly cards, and the 6 Systems Go cards. The Tool cards are shuffled and divided evenly among the players. Each player receives a pile of Malfunction cards and a hand of Tool cards. Once set up, the timer is started, and everyone flips over their entire stack of Malfunction cards to begin resolving them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Cooperative Play: Players work together simultaneously to fix malfunctions.

Tool Matching: Each Malfunction card requires 1 to 3 specific tools to fix.

Tool Passing: Players can only pass tools to those directly adjacent to them.

Anomaly Resolution: Anomaly cards introduce chaotic challenges, such as changing seats or not using thumbs.

Objective: The goal is to uncover all 6 Systems Go cards before the five-minute timer runs out.

Player Experience

Spaceteam is a frenetic and hilarious game where players must communicate quickly and efficiently to fix their spaceship’s malfunctions. The game demands attention, quick thinking, and teamwork, often leading to chaotic and entertaining moments. The use of bizarre tool names and descriptions adds to the comedic element, making it a fun experience for players of all ages.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple to understand and teach.

High Replay Value as a Party Game: Great for larger groups and family gatherings.

Chaotic Fun: Anomaly cards add unpredictability and humor.

Reusable Cards: Tools are reused, requiring continuous communication among players.

Portable: Small and easy to carry, making it a great road trip game.

Cons

Limited Replay Value for Serious Gamers: Once mastered, the game can become too easy.

Sand Timer Issues: Easy to miss the timer going off; a phone timer is recommended.

Card Durability: Cards can become damaged with frequent use.

Personal Thoughts on Spaceteam

Spaceteam is perfect for families, older kids, and anyone looking for a quick, silly, and cooperative game. It serves well as a team-building exercise or a filler game for larger gaming groups. While it may not offer deep strategy, its chaotic and fun nature makes it an excellent addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy real-time cooperative play and a bit of laughter.

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