Cosmos: Empires (2022) Board Game

Cosmos: Empires is a card game designed by Bigger Worlds Games and released in in 2022. It is a strategic economic game that can be played by 2 to 8 players, with a playtime of 15 to 45 minutes. The game is designed for players aged 11 and above and falls under the categories of card game, economic game, and print & play.

Game Components of Cosmos: Empires

Card deck

Player boards

Resource tokens

Various card types (e.g., world ships, bio-leviathans, spirit whales)

Artwork by Sasha Hryhorovych, Jonathan Mattos Rosa, Miguel Firewolf, and Ane Bonazza

How To Setup Cosmos: Empires

To set up Cosmos: Empires, each player selects a player board and a starting hand of cards. The deck is shuffled, and a set number of cards are drawn to create a draw pile. Resource tokens are distributed as per the rules. Players then prepare their boards for the start of the game by placing their starting cards and resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Engine Building: Players build their galactic economy by collecting and playing cards.

Resource Management: Manage resources to exploit opponents’ economies.

Strategy Development: Choose from various strategies to build and expand your empire.

Objective: The goal is to build the most efficient and powerful galactic empire.

Player Experience

Cosmos: Empires offers a dynamic and engaging experience, allowing players to dive into the galaxy and compete against each other. The game’s short playtime of 15-45 minutes makes it accessible for casual and serious gamers alike. Players must balance resource management with strategic card play, making each game unique and challenging.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Despite simple rules, the game offers deep strategic gameplay.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable setup ensure high replay value.

Attractive Artwork: The game features vibrant and imaginative artwork.

Short Playtime: Games are relatively short, making it easy to fit into any gaming session.

Cons

Complexity for New Players: While the rules are simple, new players might find the strategies complex.

Luck of the Draw: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay, introducing an element of luck.

High Player Count: Managing gameplay with 7 or 8 players can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Cosmos: Empires

Cosmos: Empires is ideal for fans of engine-building card games and those who enjoy strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for groups of friends looking for a game that combines social interaction with deep strategy. The game’s themes and artwork make it appealing to science fiction enthusiasts as well. However, it may not be the best fit for very young players or those who prefer purely luck-based games.

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