Exploration (2020) Board Game

Released in 2020, Exploration is a science fiction board game that takes players on a thrilling journey through space. Designed by Patryk Rozanski and featuring stunning artwork by Ply Games, Exploration offers a unique gaming experience that combines area majority/influence, contracts, deck-building, and pick-up and deliver mechanics.

Game Components of Exploration

Game board: Representing the orbital space

Player tokens: For each player to navigate

Resource cards: For managing resources

Orbital movement mechanics components: Unique to this game

Land claim tokens: To mark territories claimed by players

Event cards: Introducing challenges and opportunities

How To Setup Exploration

Setting up “Exploration” involves preparing the game board by placing the orbital tracks and initial resource cards. Each player chooses their token and places it at the starting position on the board. The land claim tokens and event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to begin once each player has their starting resources and the board is configured according to the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Orbital Movement Mechanics: Players navigate through space using unique orbital tracks.

Resource Management: Players must manage resources to perform actions.

Territory Claiming: Players claim territories in space to gain points.

Event Resolution: Players deal with random events that can aid or hinder progress.

Objective: The game objective is to claim the most land and accumulate the most points by the end of the game.

Player Experience

“Exploration” offers a thrilling space-themed adventure with a strong focus on strategic planning and resource management. Players must carefully navigate the orbital tracks, manage their resources, and make tactical decisions to claim territories efficiently. The game introduces randomness through event cards, keeping the gameplay dynamic and challenging.

Pros

Unique Orbital Movement Mechanics: Provides a fresh and engaging gameplay experience.

High Replayability: Random events and different starting conditions ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Thematic Immersion: The space-themed setting is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The unique mechanics may require multiple playthroughs to fully understand.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can be long, especially as players become more familiar with the strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Exploration

“Exploration” is ideal for fans of space-themed games and those who enjoy strategic gameplay with a high degree of replayability. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate complex mechanics and are willing to invest time in learning the game. While it may not be the best fit for casual players due to its complexity, it offers a rich and immersive experience for those who delve into it.

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