Beyond the Gates of Antares: The Dice Game (2016) Board Game

Beyond the Gates of Antares: The Dice Game is a science fiction dice game released in in 2016. It is designed by Jon Cave, Russ Charles, Neil Hodgson, Sam Lamont, and two other designers. The game is set in the Antarean universe, a futuristic world where different factions battle for control.

Game Components of Beyond the Gates of Antares: The Dice Game

6 Blue Skirmish dice: Used by players to determine the outcomes of their offensive actions.

Yellow Control dice: Represent control over the gate system and are placed on the Gate System card.

Black Fate dice: Represent the effects of Fate and can significantly impact the game.

Gate System card: Where yellow Control dice are initially placed.

Army Headquarters card: A faction-specific card for each player to log their Control dice and Fate dice.

How To Setup Beyond the Gates of Antares: The Dice Game

To set up the game, arrange the yellow Control dice on the Gate System card, which represents the planetary system. Each player starts with one black Fate die logged in their Headquarters card, except for the first player. Prepare the six blue Skirmish dice in front of the first player’s Headquarters. Any remaining black Fate dice are placed on the table within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Skirmish Dice: Players roll six blue Skirmish dice to score victories. They can keep or re-roll any number of dice, but must keep at least one die from each roll.

Logging Dice: The final results of the Skirmish dice are logged on the Army Headquarters card.

Claiming Fate Dice: Players can claim black Fate dice from the table or take them from other players’ Headquarters if none are available.

Winning the Game: The game ends when a player claims the last Control die from the Gate System, earning them the Gate card. Victory points are calculated from the Control dice, unused Fate dice, and any points awarded by the Gate card. The player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

**Beyond the Gates of Antares: The Dice Game** offers a fast-paced and strategic experience where players must balance their offensive actions with the unpredictable effects of Fate. Each faction brings a unique twist to the game, adding variety and replayability. The game is designed for up to five players, making it a great option for group gaming sessions.

Pros

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Replayability: Different factions and the random nature of the dice rolls ensure each game is unique.

Fast-Paced: Games can be completed relatively quickly, making it a great option for a quick gaming session.

Thematic Depth: The game is set in a rich sci-fi universe with detailed backgrounds for each faction.

Cons

Luck-Based: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Limited Player Interaction: While there is competition, direct player interaction is minimal.

Component Management: Keeping track of multiple dice and logging results can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Beyond the Gates of Antares: The Dice Game

This game is ideal for fans of sci-fi and dice games who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a game that is easy to set up and play but still offers depth and replayability. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking complex, long-term campaigns, it excels as a quick and engaging game night option.

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