ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo (2021) Board Game

ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo is a board game released in 2021 by Ravensburger, based on the iconic science fiction horror film franchise, Alien. Designed by Scott Rogers, this game immerses players in the thrilling world of the Nostromo spaceship as they must work together to survive against the deadly Xenomorph.

Game Components of ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo

1 Nostromo game board

5 player reference cards

5 Crew placards

5 Crew figures

1 Alien figure

1 Morale marker

21 Encounter cards

10 Objective cards

5 Final Mission cards

20 Scrap tokens

12 Item tokens

6 Coolant Canister tokens

13 Concealed tokens

1 Self-Destruct track

4 Countdown tokens

1 Ash standee

Rulebook.

How To Setup ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo

To set up the game, players first place the Nostromo game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a crew member (Ripley, Dallas, Parker, Brett, or Lambert) and takes the corresponding figure and placard. The Alien figure is placed on its starting space, and the morale marker is set to its maximum value. Objective cards are revealed based on the player count, and each player starts in the Galley. The Encounter deck is shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Ash, the rogue science officer, can be added to increase the game’s difficulty.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Cooperative Play: Players work together to survive.

Action Pool: Each character has a pool of actions to move, pick and drop items, or activate special powers.

Encounter Cards: Flipped at the end of each turn, these cards can move the Alien, spawn Concealed tokens, or cause other events.

Crafting: Players collect scrap to craft items like flashlights and flamethrowers.

Concealed Tokens: Tokens that can reveal the Alien, Jonesy the cat, or nothing.

Game Objective

Complete initial objectives and one of five final missions before the morale runs out.

Survive the Alien’s attacks and avoid the ship’s self-destruction.

Player Experience

Playing ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo is an immersive experience that recreates the tension of the classic film. Players must navigate the Nostromo, gathering supplies and crafting items while evading the deadly Alien. The game features beautiful, thematic artwork and detailed miniatures, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The dynamic between predictable Alien movements and random Concealed token reveals creates a thrilling and unpredictable gameplay experience. The game is accessible and enjoyable for both families and fans of the Alien franchise, playing smoothly with 1-5 players in about 45-60 minutes.

Pros

Immersive Gameplay: Recreates the tension and atmosphere of the Alien film.

High Replay Value: Different objectives and final missions ensure no two games are alike.

Accessible Design: Easy to learn and play, suitable for families and casual gamers.

Thematic Artwork: Beautifully detailed miniatures and vintage typography.

Cooperative Strategy: Encourages team play and strategic thinking.

Cons

Morale System: No individual health tracking; instead, a group morale counter can feel less intense.

Turn Optimization: Some turns may be spent doing nothing to avoid the Alien, which can be boring for affected players.

Ash Mechanic: Ash’s role as a rogue science officer feels somewhat underutilized and not as challenging as expected.

Personal Thoughts on ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo

ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo is an excellent choice for fans of the Alien franchise and those looking for a cooperative strategy game that is both thrilling and accessible. It is particularly suitable for families and casual gamers due to its easy-to-learn mechanics and immersive gameplay. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as the morale system and Ash’s underutilized role, the game overall provides a fun and tense experience that captures the essence of the classic film. If you’re looking for a game that balances strategy and thematic engagement, ALIEN: Fate of the Nostromo is definitely worth considering.

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