Clank! In! Space!: A Deck-Building Adventure (2017) Board Game

Clank! In! Space! is a sci-fi themed deck-building board game released in in 2017. Designed by Paul Dennen and published by Dire Wolf, it has quickly gained popularity among board game enthusiasts for its unique gameplay mechanics and immersive experience.

Game Components of Clank In Space!: A Deck-Building Adventure

Modular board with three double-sided pieces for varied setups

Starter deck cards (10 per player)

Market cards for purchasing

Artifact cards

Data cube tokens

Clank cubes

Health track

Player minis and unique Lord Eradikus mini

Generic cubes and a bag for drawing

Security bots and force field mechanics

How To Setup Clank In Space!: A Deck-Building Adventure

Setup involves laying out the modular board with the Cargo Bay on the left and Lord Eradikus’s quarters on the right, using the three interchangeable middle modules. Each player starts with a deck of 10 starter cards. The market row is filled with six cards for purchasing or fighting. Data terminals and artifacts are placed according to the board layout. Players also set up the Clank bag with initial black cubes and their own colored cubes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Building: Players draw a hand of five cards and play them in any order to move, buy cards, or attack enemies.

Modular Board: The board changes with each game, offering varied setups.

Clank Mechanic: Playing cards that generate Clank adds noise, which can lead to damage when Lord Eradikus attacks.

Data Terminals: Hack two data terminals in different modules to access artifacts.

Artifact Collection: Steal an artifact and escape the ship via an escape pod.

Health Track: Manage health to avoid dying before escaping.

Points System: Earn points from artifacts, purchased cards, and surviving the game.

Player Experience

In **Clank In Space**, players embody lovable rogues sneaking around Lord Eradikus’s ship to steal valuable artifacts. The game is a delicate balance of deck building, strategic movement, and risk management. Players must navigate the ship, avoid security bots, hack data terminals, and escape before Lord Eradikus catches up. The game’s tension is heightened by the “game of chicken” aspect, where players must decide when to bail out to avoid damage.

Pros

High Replayability: Modular board and varied card draws ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Combines simple deck-building with complex board navigation.

Engaging Theme: The sci-fi setting and artwork enhance the gameplay experience.

Dynamic Gameplay: Players must adapt to changing circumstances and other players’ strategies.

Cons

Initial Complexity: The board can be overwhelming at first, and rules may be hard to reference later.

Player Elimination: Dying before reaching the Cargo Hold results in no points, which can be frustrating.

Luck Factor: The Clank mechanic introduces an element of luck that can significantly impact gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Clank In Space!: A Deck-Building Adventure

**Clank In Space** is ideal for fans of deck-building games and those who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. It’s perfect for players who appreciate thematic games with deep mechanics and high replayability. While it may not be the best fit for those who dislike player elimination or complex rule sets, it offers a unique and engaging experience that challenges players to balance risk and reward in a thrilling space adventure.

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