Gen7: A Crossroads Game (2018) Board Game

Gen7: A Crossroads Game is a science fiction board game released in 2018 by Plaid Hat Games. Designed by Steve Nix, the game offers a unique cooperative experience where players take on the roles of crew members aboard a generation ship heading towards a new planet. With variable player powers and a modular board, Gen7 promises an engaging gameplay experience for 3-4 players.

Game Components of Gen7: A Crossroads Game

Player Boards: Each player has a board to manage their officer and civilians.

Dice: Representing the officers and civilians, used for completing objectives.

Crossroads Cards: Present moral dilemmas and personal challenges.

Merit Awards: Earned for completing personal goals, providing rank increases and special skills.

Ship Location Boards: Unique locations where players deploy their crew.

Crew Log Sheets: For tracking progress and crew names.

Tokens and Cards: Various components for supplies, tasks, and other game mechanics.

How To Setup Gen7: A Crossroads Game

To set up Gen7, players first prepare the ship boards and each player’s personal board. The Crossroads deck is shuffled and placed within reach. Each player receives a set of dice and a crew log sheet. The game is set in a narrative campaign, so the initial chapter and its objectives are read out, guiding the players on their starting tasks.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players use their dice to complete ship tasks, gather supplies, and work on personal goals.

Crossroads System: Cards drawn at specific points present moral dilemmas, altering the story based on player choices.

Dice Allocation: Players allocate their dice to various tasks, balancing individual and group objectives.

Drafting: Players can earn and use merit points to buy special skills and abilities.

Objective: Solve a mystery affecting the ship’s mission while managing personal goals and ensuring the survival of the crew and humanity.

Player Experience

Playing Gen7 involves a deep narrative experience where players are part of the seventh generation on an arc ship destined for a new home after Earth’s demise. The game is highly replayable, with multiple branching paths based on player decisions. Players must balance critical ship tasks with personal goals, earning merit points that can upgrade their officers. The Crossroads system introduces unique situations that challenge players morally and strategically.

Pros

Replayability: Multiple story paths and choices ensure a unique experience each playthrough.

Engaging Narrative: The story is compelling, with meaningful choices that impact the game’s outcome.

Strategic Depth: Balancing personal and group tasks requires careful planning.

Customization: Officers can be upgraded with special skills and abilities.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be heavy, with a lot of planning involved in each turn.

Alpha Gamer Syndrome: One player can dominate decision-making.

Repetitive Elements: Some gameplay elements can feel repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Gen7: A Crossroads Game

Gen7 is ideal for fans of cooperative games, especially those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences with deep strategic elements. It is suited for players aged 14 and above, although younger players may find the balancing act between personal and group tasks challenging. If you enjoy Star Trek-style storytelling and are willing to invest time in planning and decision-making, Gen7 is a great choice. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a light, casual gaming experience.

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