High Frontier (Third Edition) (2017) Board Game

High Frontier is a strategic board game that simulates the exploration and colonization of the solar system. The third edition, released in 2017, is designed by Phil Eklund, Antonio Pinar, and Nick Stevens. With a focus on space exploration, industry, and manufacturing, the game offers players a challenging and immersive experience set in a futuristic world.

Game Components of High Frontier

Game Board: Features the entire solar system, including detailed routes and destinations.

Crew Cards: Each player starts with a crew card that lists their space agency’s name and special abilities.

Technology Cards: Include Support cards (Generators, Reactors, Radiators), Colonists, advanced Thrusters (Gigawatt/Terawatt), and Freighters.

Water Tanks: Represent fuel and currency, used for powering rockets and bidding on technology.

Player Cards: Include fuel/mass tracks for managing rocket efficiency.

Modules and Expansions: Such as the Colonization module, which adds new decks and mechanics.

How To Setup High Frontier

Setting up High Frontier involves several steps due to its complexity. Players start by choosing their crew cards, which define their space agency and special abilities. The game board is laid out, showing the solar system with various routes and destinations marked. Each player receives a set of starting cards and water tanks. The technology decks are shuffled and prepared for auction. The game also includes various modules, such as the Colonization module, which can be added to enhance gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players manage water tanks, which serve as fuel and currency.

Auction Mechanics: Players bid on technology using their water tanks.

Pick-Up and Deliver: Players transport resources and equipment across the solar system.

Route Planning: Players plan efficient routes to destinations, considering fuel efficiency and mass.

Operations and Rocket Movement: Players can perform one operation (e.g., bidding, prospecting) and move their rocket each turn.

Game Objective: The primary goal is to establish factories on various planets and asteroids, with the game ending after six factories have been built. The player with the most Victory Points (VPs) wins.

Player Experience

Playing High Frontier is a immersive and challenging experience. The game is known for its realism and complexity, making it a sandbox for exploration and exploitation of the solar system. Players must strategically manage resources, plan routes, and make tactical decisions. The game’s depth and realism appeal to space enthusiasts and fans of heavy, simulation-based games. However, the steep learning curve and extensive rules can be daunting for new players.

Pros

Realistic Simulation: Models actual rocket science and space exploration concepts.

Deep Strategy: Offers complex resource management and route planning.

Immersive Experience: Provides a sense of accomplishment through realistic space colonization.

High Replayability: Includes multiple modules and expansions for varied gameplay.

Solo Play Option: Can be played solo, which is useful for learning the game.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Requires significant time and effort to learn the full ruleset.

Complex Rules: The game involves a large rulebook with advanced and super advanced rules.

Lengthy Playtime: Games can last several hours, making it challenging to fit into a typical gaming session.

Resource Intensive: Requires careful management of water tanks and other resources.

Not for Casual Players: It is highly detailed and may not appeal to those looking for a light gaming experience.

Personal Thoughts on High Frontier

High Frontier is not for everyone; it is a game that caters to hardcore space enthusiasts and fans of detailed simulations. If you are willing to invest the time to learn its intricate mechanics and appreciate the realism of space exploration, High Frontier can offer a deeply rewarding experience. However, for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, easy-to-learn game, High Frontier might be overwhelming. It is best suited for players who enjoy complex strategy, resource management, and the thrill of realistic space colonization.

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