Gloom in Space (2017) Board Game

Gloom in Space is a standalone game in the Gloom series, which was first introduced in in 2017. This science fiction-themed card game is designed by Michael Cunliffe and Nicolas Gluesenkamp and published by Atlas Games. Players take on the roles of different alien races, each with their own unique abilities, in a darkly humorous game where the goal is to make your characters as miserable as possible.

Game Components of Gloom in Space

Transparent Cards: Used to stack and reveal Self-Worth scores.

Character Cards: Each player has a crew of four characters.

Event Cards: Cause negative or positive effects on characters.

Rulebook: Includes setup and gameplay instructions.

How To Setup Gloom in Space

To set up the game, each player receives a crew of four characters. The deck is shuffled, and players draw a starting hand of cards. The objective is to lower the Self-Worth of your own crew while increasing the Self-Worth of your opponents’ crews. The setup is straightforward, with each player having their own set of character cards and a shared draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 2-4.

Playing Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

Objective: Lower the Self-Worth scores of your own crew by playing negative event cards, while playing positive event cards on your opponents’ crews.

Game End: The game ends when one player’s entire crew has been eliminated. The player with the lowest total Self-Worth score of their deceased crew members wins.

Card Mechanics: Transparent cards stack to hide and reveal scores, allowing for strategic layering of effects.

Player Experience

**Gloom in Space** is a game that thrives on dark humor and strategic card play. Players must balance making their own crew miserable with uplifting their opponents’ crews. The game encourages storytelling, as players can narrate the events that occur to their characters, adding a unique and engaging layer to the gameplay.

Pros

Engaging Storytelling: Allows players to creatively narrate their characters’ misfortunes.

Strategic Depth: The transparent card mechanic offers complex layering of effects.

Thematic Fun: Science fiction theme with nods to popular sci-fi characters.

Quick Games: Games are relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes.

Cons

Dark Theme: May not appeal to players who prefer lighter, more positive themes.

Complex Rules: While the core mechanics are simple, mastering the card interactions can take time.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, limiting larger group play.

Personal Thoughts on Gloom in Space

**Gloom in Space** is perfect for fans of science fiction and those who enjoy strategic card games with a twist of dark humor. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized gaming groups looking for a game that combines strategy with creative storytelling. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more family-friendly or light-hearted gaming experience.

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