Godspeed (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Godspeed is a board game that was released in 2020 by the publisher Devir. Designed by Clayton Hargrave and Adam Hill, the game is set in a science fiction world and offers an intriguing gameplay experience for 2 to 5 players. With a runtime of 45 to 90 minutes, Godspeed is recommended for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Godspeed

Workers: Five different workers (Ambassador, Trader, Engineer, Biologist, Captain) with varying strengths

Board: Features a four-lane track for defense, commerce, exploration, and infrastructure, along with various action spaces

Cards: Development cards, resource collection cards, High Council phase cards, and supply depot cards

Buildings: Four types of buildings (Xenoamp, Relic, Fortress, Warehouse) and a starting building specific to each country

Resources: Various resources and wild supply pieces

Milestones: Flags for achieving specific goals

Tiebreaker Token: For resolving ties

How To Setup Godspeed

To set up Godspeed, players first select their country, each coming with its own set of starting buildings and workers. Each player receives an initial starting objective and a cargo hold card that provides starting resources. The High Council phase deck and supply depot cards are shuffled and placed on the board. The four-lane track and action spaces are set up according to the game’s instructions. Players also receive their set of workers and place their tokens on the starting positions on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

High Council Phase: Players bid a worker to avoid negative effects or gain positive effects based on collective actions.

Supply Depot Phase: Players bid workers or credits to secure resources and cards.

Action Phase: Players take turns placing two workers to perform actions such as drawing cards, building development cards, and moving up the prestige tracks.

Game Objective: Score the most points by advancing on the four tracks (defense, commerce, exploration, infrastructure) and achieving milestones.

Player Experience

Playing Godspeed involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical decision-making. The blind bidding for turn order and the High Council phase add a layer of tension and negotiation, making each round dynamic. Players must balance the use of their workers between bidding, taking actions, and building development cards. The game’s theme of colonizing a distant planet is enhanced by the dreamy, pastel-infused alien landscape on the board.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers complex decisions, especially in the bidding and worker placement phases.

Negotiation and Interaction: The High Council phase introduces direct player interaction and negotiation.

Thematic Consistency: The game’s theme is well-supported by its production quality and artwork.

Variety in Player Powers: Different workers and starting buildings provide unique abilities and challenges.

Cons

Initial Overwhelm: The game can be overwhelming during the first playthrough due to the numerous mechanics and options.

Complexity: It may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its depth and complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Godspeed

Godspeed is ideal for fans of worker placement games and those who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. The game’s unique blend of blind bidding, negotiation, and area control makes it stand out in the Eurogame category. However, it may not be the best fit for new gamers or those seeking a light, casual experience. For experienced gamers looking for a challenging and engaging game, Godspeed offers a rich and rewarding experience.

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