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Eminent Domain: Microcosm (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information for Eminent Domain: Microcosm

Eminent Domain: Microcosm is a compact and quick-playing 2-player card game that is a standalone microgame based on the popular Eminent Domain board game. Designed by Seth Jaffee and published by Tasty Minstrel Games in 2014, the game focuses on space exploration and civilization-building themes in a condensed format.

Game Components of Eminent Domain: Microcosm

  • 54 cards
  • 2 player aids

How To Setup Eminent Domain: Microcosm

  • Shuffle the deck of 54 cards.
  • Deal 5 cards to each player.
  • Place the rest of the deck in the center of the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Eminent Domain: Microcosm, players take turns selecting cards from the center to add to their hands, build their civilizations, and score victory points. The objective is to strategically choose cards that synergize well with each other to maximize points and outmaneuver your opponent.

Player Experience

Pros:

  • Compact size and quick gameplay
  • Strategic depth despite its small footprint
  • Challenge of balancing card choices for efficiency

Cons:

  • Limited replayability due to small card pool
  • Dependency on card draws may lead to luck-based outcomes

Personal Thoughts on Eminent Domain: Microcosm

In my opinion, Eminent Domain: Microcosm is a solid microgame that captures the essence of its bigger sibling in a condensed package. The game’s build quality is good, and the artwork by Ariel Seoane adds to the immersive space exploration theme.

While the game may not be for everyone, fans of deck-building and quick card games will find Eminent Domain: Microcosm worth their time. It is a great option for 2 players looking for a strategic and engaging experience in a short playtime.

Overall, I would recommend Eminent Domain: Microcosm to those who enjoy civilization-building and space exploration themes in a compact and portable format. It is a game that offers a satisfying experience for its target audience and is worth considering for your gaming collection.

Game Components of Eminent Domain: Microcosm

  • 34 cards, including 18 action cards, 5 tech cards, and various colony and planet cards.
  • A playmat for table presence.
  • Victory point scoring system based on card collections and actions.

    How To Setup Eminent Domain: Microcosm

    To set up the game, players start with a center tableau of three cards. Each player begins with no cards in hand. The game is ready to play once the initial cards are drawn and placed face up.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Card Drafting: Players take turns drawing and playing cards from the center tableau.
  • Action Resolution: Each card has an action to be resolved when played.
  • Tech Research: Five tech cards offer bonuses and scoring opportunities.
  • Colony Acquisition: Players can colonize or conquer planets.
  • Scoring: Cards have victory point conditions based on tech cards, colonies, conquered worlds, and planet colors.

    Game Objective

    The objective is to score the most points by researching technologies, acquiring and conquering colonies, and collecting cards with favorable scoring conditions.

    Player Experience

    In **Eminent Domain: Microcosm**, players engage in a tight, competitive game where every decision matters. The game is marked by its speed and the need for strategic thinking, as players must evaluate the value of each card based on its immediate actions and long-term scoring potential. The game features direct player competition, including the ability to steal colonies and disrupt opponents’ plans.

    Pros

  • Quick Playtime: The game lasts only 15-20 minutes.
  • Deep Strategic Choices: Despite its short duration, the game offers complex decision-making.
  • Competitive Interactions: Players can disrupt each other’s plans, adding a layer of interaction.
  • Compact Design: The game requires minimal table space and is easy to set up.

    Cons

  • Limited Scope: The game feels truncated, with mechanisms that don’t fully develop within the short playtime.
  • Cognitive Load: The game requires constant evaluation of card values and strategies, which can be demanding.
  • Accessibility Issues: The game presents challenges for players with total blindness due to the secret information and need for card peeking.

    Personal Thoughts on Eminent Domain: Microcosm

    **Eminent Domain: Microcosm** is ideal for fans of quick, strategic card games and those who enjoy competitive two-player experiences. While it may not fully capture the grandeur of space exploration, it offers a dense and engaging game in a compact package. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that packs a lot of depth into a short playtime, but may not be the best fit for those seeking a more relaxed or less competitive experience.

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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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