Moon Base (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Moon Base is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 2019 by itten. The game is designed by Naotaka Shimamoto and features artwork by Yoshiaki Tomioka. Moon Base is a space exploration game where players compete to build the most successful moon base.

Game Components of Moon Base

Large and small rings in three colors: silver, gold, and navy blue (neutral)

Research Tower

Settlements

Resource Bases

Support pieces for settlements

Earth Marker

Game board featuring the lunar surface with craters

How To Setup Moon Base

To set up the game, place the Tower on any Large Crater on the board and give the Earth Marker to the start player. Each player then chooses a color (silver or gold), while navy blue rings remain neutral. Players are now ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Ring Selection: Players take turns selecting two large rings and two small rings from the available stacks.

Ring Placement: Players alternate placing rings on the moon, ensuring they do not touch the Research Tower. Rings must be stacked on top of two other rings, and the top ring must match the color of the two bottom rings unless creating a Collabo Ring.

Collabo Ring: When a large ring of the third color is placed on top of two different colored rings, the Research Tower is moved to that ring.

Settlements and Resource Bases: After all rings are placed, players add settlements to open large rings of their color on the second level or above, or add a Resource Base to any empty crater.

Scoring:
– Settlements: 2 points each
– Resource Bases: 1 point each
– Most connected rings: +2 points
– Highest ring: +2 points
– Research Tower: +3 points for the player whose ring it is placed around

Player Experience

Playing **Moon Base** is a tactile and visually appealing experience. The game demands strategic planning and foresight, as players must carefully select and place rings to optimize their scoring opportunities. The dynamic of building and interfering with each other’s structures adds a layer of competitive strategy, making the game engaging and challenging. The beauty of the game lies in its combination of abstract strategy and the physical act of stacking rings, creating a unique lunar landscape.

Pros

Visual Appeal: The game offers a beautiful and intricate setup that players can appreciate.

Strategic Depth: It requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

Tactile Experience: The physical act of stacking rings is engaging and fun.

Competitive Interaction: Players can influence each other’s moves, adding a layer of complexity.

Cons

Rule Complexity: The rules, while not dense, can be meticulous and easy to mix up initially.

Length: The game is slightly longer than some other abstract games, which may deter some players.

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Personal Thoughts on Moon Base

**Moon Base** is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who appreciate a mix of physical stacking mechanics and deep strategic thinking. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy games like Santorini but are looking for something with a unique theme and different challenges. The game’s beauty and competitive elements make it a standout in the abstract game category, offering a fun and intellectually stimulating experience for players.

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