Noobs in Space (2023) Board Game

Noobs in Space is a cooperative board game designed by Johannes Krenner and Markus Slawitscheck, with artwork by Fiore GmbH. It was released in 2023 by KOSMOS and is suitable for 3-5 players aged 10 and above. The game is set in outer space, where players work together to complete various missions and challenges.

Game Components of Noobs in Space

120 mission cards

A rulebook

No board or other physical components, making it a card-only game.

How To Setup Noobs in Space

To set up Noobs in Space, players deal out the mission cards for each scenario as equally as possible among the players. Each mission consists of about 30 cards, and a timer is started to mark the 15-minute time limit for completing the mission. The rules are straightforward, and the game can be taught quickly, making it accessible to players of all ages[4ै।

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to solve puzzles and complete missions.

Real-Time Puzzle Solving: Each mission is timed to last about 15 minutes.

Card Play: Players use the mission cards to solve challenges and overcome obstacles.

Penalties for Mistakes: Incorrect card plays result in time penalties.

Scoring System: Teams earn points by completing challenges as quickly as possible.

Player Experience

Playing Noobs in Space is a frantic and engaging experience. The game encourages significant table talk as players frantically search for the right cards to solve the puzzles. The writing in the game is silly and humorous, which adds to the fun but may not appeal to everyone. Each round starts quickly, and the fast-paced nature of the game keeps players excited and involved.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The real-time puzzle-solving and cooperative play make for an engaging and fun experience.

Easy to Learn: The game has a simple rulebook and can be taught quickly.

Affordable: Available for around $11, making it a good value for the price.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players over the age of eight.

No Complexity in Setup or Tear Down: The game is fully resettable with no need for additional materials like boards, adhesives, or markers.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game has a fixed number of missions, which means once completed, there is no new content.

Storyline: The storyline is minimal and not particularly compelling.

Scoring System: The scoring system can feel too easy in the early missions and then becomes very challenging later on.

Personal Thoughts on Noobs in Space

Noobs in Space is ideal for those who enjoy quick, cooperative games with a focus on puzzle-solving. It’s perfect for families or groups looking for a fun, low-commitment gaming experience. The game’s affordability and ease of learning make it a great addition to any game collection. However, players seeking a game with high replayability or a detailed storyline may find Noobs in Space lacking in those areas.

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