| | | | | | | | |

Antematter (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Antematter is a board game that was released in 2022, designed for 3-6 players. It falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, fantasy, miniatures, and pirates. The game involves action points, betting and bluffing, bribery, command cards, and connections as its main gameplay mechanisms.

Game Components of Antematter

  • 6 Pirate Fleets: Each fleet includes 7 pieces.
  • 6 Planets: Represented by plastic game pieces.
  • Game Board: Full color with a matte finish.
  • 6 Crew Decks: Each deck contains 26 cards.
  • 56 Card Poker Deck: Themed around Antematter.
  • 15 Enigmata Cards**.
  • 200 Nephelium Chips: Ceramic poker chips with a metal core.
  • Dealer & Turn Marker: Plastic markers.

    How To Setup Antematter

    Setting up Antematter involves several steps. First, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a pirate fleet and places their ships on the designated starting positions. Shuffle and distribute the crew decks to each player. Prepare the poker deck and Enigmata cards. Distribute the Nephelium Chips equally among players or as specified by the game rules. Finally, determine the starting player using the Dealer & Turn Marker.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Count: 3-6 players.
  • Playing Time: 45-120 minutes.
  • Age: 12 and above.
  • Game Phases:
  • Loot Phase: Players maneuver their ships around the board, collecting salvage and cargo.
  • Poker Phase: Players engage in a round of Texas Hold’em to further their gains.
  • Objective: The first player to accumulate 4,000 credits wins the game.

    Player Experience

    Players command a crew of space pirates, privateers, and smugglers, navigating through the Conflux to accumulate wealth in the form of Nephelium Chips. The game requires strategic movement and resource management during the loot phase, followed by strategic poker play. The unique abilities of each crew’s deck can significantly influence the game, allowing players to outmaneuver and cheat their opponents at the poker table. Despite some initial complexity, the game becomes more intuitive with repeated play.

    Pros

  • Unique Blend of Mechanics: Combines space strategy with Texas Hold’em.
  • Rich Lore: Set in a lore-rich universe with diverse crews.
  • High Replayability: Different crew abilities and random elements ensure varied gameplay.
  • Responsive Developers: BardShark has been responsive to player issues and feedback.

    Cons

  • High Price Point: The game is priced at $140 for the standard edition, with some finding it expensive.
  • Quality Issues: Some players have reported lower quality card stock and manufacturing issues.
  • Complex Rulebook: The rulebook has been criticized for lacking clear instructions on certain aspects of the game.

    Personal Thoughts on Antematter

    Antematter is ideal for those who enjoy both strategy games and poker. It offers a unique gaming experience that combines the thrill of exploration and resource management with the strategic depth of Texas Hold’em. While it may be pricey and has some quality issues, the game’s complexity and replay value make it a solid choice for fans of hybrid board games. However, potential buyers might want to wait until manufacturing issues are resolved or look for discounts to make the purchase more appealing.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *