Grave Robbers from Outer Space (2001) Board Game

Grave Robbers from Outer Space is a card game that was originally released in 2001 by Z-Man Games. The game is designed by Stephen Tassie and features artwork by Steve Bryant and Jason Millet. It falls under the categories of Horror, Science Fiction, and Humor Movies/TV/Radio theme, with a retro B-movies theme. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with a recommended player count of 3-4, and has a runtime of 20-40 minutes. Players must navigate through a graveyard filled with zombies, aliens, and other creatures, all while trying to collect valuable loot.

Game Components of Grave Robbers from Outer Space

Cards: Characters, Props, Locations, Special Effects, and Creature cards.

Deck: Originally a communal deck of 120 cards; now players construct individual Movie decks.

Feature Packs: 16-card packs based on movie themes like Vampires, Mad Science, and Aliens.

Plot Twist Cards: New game-ending mechanic introduced in the reimagined version.

Roll the Credits Cards: Still included for Classic-style play.

How To Setup Grave Robbers from Outer Space

To set up the game, players create their individual Movie decks by combining two or three Feature Packs. Each pack is themed around different movie genres. Players shuffle these cards together to create a playable deck. The game also includes a Popcorn system, where each card has a Popcorn cost that can be paid by discarding cards from one’s hand or tipping cards already in play that bear a Popcorn Bucket icon.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players take on the role of rival B-Movie directors, aiming to build the highest-rated movie.

Card Types:

Characters, Props, Locations: Add Defensive Strength (DS) to the player’s movie.

Creature Cards: Attack opponents’ movies with Attack Strength (AS); if successful, can kill a Character.

Special Effects (SFX) Cards: Can be played at any time for various effects.

Plot Twist Cards: Can be played face-down and reveal additional effects when certain conditions are met.

Winning Condition: The game ends when a player banks a certain number of Plot Twists or when the deck runs dry; the movie with the highest ratings wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Grave Robbers from Outer Space** is a delightful plunge into the world of B-movies, filled with humor and strategy. Players must balance building their own movie while defending against creatures and plot twists. The game is highly interactive, requiring constant attention to both your own deck and your opponents’.

Pros

High Replayability: With multiple Feature Packs and card types, each game can be unique.

Humorous Theme: Parodies science fiction and horror movie clichés, making it a fun experience.

Social Interaction: Players frequently interact with each other’s movies, adding a social element.

Strategy Depth: Requires balancing defense and offense, and managing resources.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a lot of mechanics, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Card Management: Managing the Popcorn system and various card types can be challenging.

Luck Factor: Card draw and Plot Twists introduce an element of luck that can affect outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Grave Robbers from Outer Space

**Grave Robbers from Outer Space** is perfect for those who enjoy card games, B-movies, and a mix of strategy and humor. It is suitable for players aged 13 and above, and it supports 2 to 6 players, making it a great addition to any game night. The game’s open-source nature and frequent updates with new Feature Packs ensure it remains fresh and engaging over time. If you’re looking for a game that blends cinematic humor with strategic depth, **Grave Robbers from Outer Space** is an excellent choice.

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