Gravwell: Escape from the 9th Dimension (2013) Board Game

Gravwell: Escape from the 9th Dimension is a science fiction-themed card game designed by Alejandro Germánico Benit and published in in 2013. In the game, players find themselves trapped in a black hole and must race against each other to escape. The game features unique mechanics such as Action Queue, Bias, Open Drafting, and Simultaneous Action Selection.

Game Components of Gravwell: Escape from the 9th Dimension

Game board

4 spaceships

4 Emergency Stop cards

26 fuel cards (alphabetized elements like Argon, Boron, Zirconium)

Derelict spacecraft tokens

Round marker and track

How To Setup Gravwell: Escape from the 9th Dimension

Setting up Gravwell is straightforward. Lay out the board, place the white token on the round marker track, and give each player a spaceship and an Emergency Stop card. Shuffle the fuel cards, then deal three face-down cards per player, with one face-up card on top of each pile. Players select their card piles in a specific order, ensuring each player gets six cards in total.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Family-friendly, strategic board game

Number of Players: 1-4

Playtime: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Mechanics:
– Card drafting and play
– Gravity-based movement
– Unique turn order determination

Objective: Be the first player to escape through the Warp Gate.

Movement Types:

Green Cards: Move towards the nearest gravity source.

Purple Cards: Move away from the nearest gravity source.

Blue Cards: Pull all other ships towards you.

Player Experience

Gravwell offers a thrilling experience with its unpredictable gravity mechanics. Players must carefully select cards to navigate their ships through the 9th dimension, avoiding derelict spacecraft and other players. The game’s short playtime and simple rules make it accessible, but the strategic depth and randomness keep it engaging. The unique turn order system, based on the alphabetical order of elements, adds a layer of unpredictability that can lead to humorous and unexpected turns.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful card play and planning.

High Replayability: Randomness and player interaction ensure different experiences.

Award-Winning: Winner of several awards, including the Origins Award for Best Family Game.

Short Playtime: Quick games that fit into any schedule.

Cons

Randomness: Can be frustrating for players who prefer more control.

Limited Components: Some players may find the component list too minimal.

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay, which may not appeal to everyone.

Personal Thoughts on Gravwell: Escape from the 9th Dimension

Gravwell is perfect for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a quick, strategic game. It’s an excellent choice for introducing new players to board games due to its simplicity and engaging mechanics. However, players who dislike randomness in their games might find it less appealing. For those who enjoy outguessing their opponents and navigating unpredictable situations, Gravwell: Escape from the 9th Dimension is a fantastic addition to any game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.