Before the Earth Explodes (2018) Board Game

Before the Earth Explodes is a card game released in 2018 by Green Couch Games. It is designed by Davy Wagnarok and falls under the science fiction category. The game is designed for 2 players and has a playtime of 20–30 minutes. The game revolves around a rock-paper-scissors mechanic and simultaneous action selection.

Game Components of Before the Earth Explodes

Game board

Player boards

Resource tokens

Ship tiles

Planet cards

Action cards

Dice (for resolving actions and conflicts)

How To Setup Before the Earth Explodes

To set up the game, each player selects a faction and receives the corresponding player board and starting resources. The game board is placed in the middle, and the planet cards are shuffled and drawn to form a tableau. Each player chooses a starting planet to explore, and the action cards are distributed. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting resources and ships.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players manage resources to build ships, explore planets, and perform actions.

Area Control: Players compete to control planets and extract resources.

Variable Player Powers: Each faction has unique abilities that influence gameplay.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving conflicts and actions.

Objective: The goal is to be the first faction to successfully establish a new home on another planet, saving humanity from the impending catastrophe.

Player Experience

Before the Earth Explodes offers a dynamic and competitive experience where players must balance resource gathering, ship building, and exploring new planets. The game demands strategic thinking and adaptability, as players need to respond to changing circumstances and the actions of their opponents.

Pros

Engaging Theme: A compelling narrative of survival and exploration.

Strategic Depth: Multiple mechanics that require thoughtful planning.

Replayability: Variable player powers and random planet draws ensure different experiences each game.

Competitive: Encourages interaction and competition among players.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new gamers due to multiple mechanics.

Setup Time: Requires some time to set up the game board and distribute components.

Luck Factor: Dice rolling can introduce randomness that affects strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Before the Earth Explodes

Before the Earth Explodes is ideal for experienced gamers who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong competitive element. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate resource management, area control, and variable player powers. However, it may not be the best choice for casual or new gamers due to its complexity and setup time. For fans of space exploration and survival themes, this game offers a thrilling experience that challenges players to save humanity from an impending disaster.

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