Cosmic Coasters (2000) – Board Game Guys

Cosmic Coasters

Cosmic Coasters is a board game designed by Andrew Looney and published by Looney Labs. It was released in 2001 and won the Origins Award for Best Abstract Board Game in 2002. The game is designed for two players aged 8 and up and has a playing time of 10-20 minutes.

Why is Cosmic Coasters Popular?

Cosmic Coasters is a popular game due to its unique Gameplay Mechanics of Cosmic Coasters and quick playing time. It is a game of interplanetary invasion where players use fleets of seven coins on the moons of Jupiter. The game is easy to learn and quick to play, making it a great option for casual gamers or those looking for a quick game to play.

Game Components of Cosmic Coasters

Coasters: 4 custom bar coasters featuring images of the Galilean moons of Jupiter on one side and rules summaries on the other.

Tokens: 7 distinctive counters (e.g., coins) per player.

Special Powers: Each coaster has a unique special power that tweaks the game rules.

How To Setup Cosmic Coasters

To set up Cosmic Coasters, each player chooses a coaster representing a moon of Jupiter. Each player places their 7 tokens on their chosen coaster. The coasters are laid out, and the game is ready to start. The rules are conveniently printed on the back of each coaster, making setup swift and straightforward.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Teleport: Move a token from one coaster to another or out of the game if you control two or more control points on a coaster.

Build: Place a new token on an empty factory if you control the adjacent control points.

Move: Move one token to an adjacent space. Combat is resolved using Rock-Paper-Scissors or optionally with dice rolls.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the first player to teleport one of your tokens back onto your home coaster.

Player Experience

Cosmic Coasters offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, perfect for short breaks or casual gaming sessions. The game’s design ensures that it can be played in about 10 minutes, making it ideal for quick matches. The use of Rock-Paper-Scissors adds a fun and unpredictable element to the game, while the special powers on each coaster introduce strategic depth.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games last only about 10 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Strategic Depth: Special powers and combat mechanics add complexity.

Versatile Components: Coasters can be used as actual beverage coasters.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Luck Factor: Rock-Paper-Scissors introduces an element of luck that some players might find frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Cosmic Coasters

Cosmic Coasters is perfect for those who enjoy quick, strategic games that don’t require a lot of setup or equipment. It’s great for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone looking for a fun, light-hearted game to play during social gatherings. The game’s unique blend of strategy and luck, along with its innovative use of coasters as game boards, makes it a standout in the world of board games. If you’re looking for a game that combines simplicity with strategic thought, Cosmic Coasters is an excellent choice.

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