ISS Vanguard (2022) Board Game

ISS Vanguard is a board game released in 2022 by Awaken Realms. Designed by Andrzej Betkiewicz, Krzysztof Piskorski, Paweł Samborski, and Marcin Świerkot, the game is set in a futuristic universe where players take on the roles of crew members on a spaceship exploring new galaxies.

Game Components of ISS Vanguard

Over 100 unique Crew members with different characteristics

Planetopedia: a 44-page book with Planetary Boards

Dual-layer cardboard trays with linen finish

Various cards, including Bridge cards, Crew member cards, and discovery cards

Miniatures for crew members, landers, and mission equipment

Dice with different symbols (Basic, Specialised, Universal, Expert, and Wild)

Ship Book (A4 folder) for ship management and upgrades

Companion app for professional voice-overs, automatic saves, and additional functionalities.

How To Setup ISS Vanguard

Setting up ISS Vanguard is a detailed and time-consuming process. Players must separate all the cards and place them in specific compartments of card trays. The rulebook provides clear instructions, but the initial setup can take a significant amount of time. The game requires organizing various components, including the Ship Book, Planetopedia, and crew member models. The rulebook and index help navigate the setup, but it is advisable to allocate ample time for this step.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to explore the galaxy and manage the ship.

Resource Management: Manage Energy tokens and Command tokens based on Tech level and objective cards.

Dice Rolling: Use dice to resolve actions during planetary exploration, with options to add tailored dice for different sections (Security, Recon, Science, Engineering).

Ship Management: Upgrade the ship, recruit new Crew members, conduct research, and produce equipment using the Ship Book.

Planetary Exploration: Land on alien worlds represented by colorful boards, complete objectives, and gather discoveries.

Game Objective: Complete the scenario or campaign by making strategic decisions and overcoming challenges.

Player Experience

Playing ISS Vanguard immerses players in an epic Sci-Fi adventure, where they control four sections of the ship: Security, Recon, Science, and Engineering. The game is divided into two main parts: planetary exploration and ship management. Players enjoy a rich story crafted by Krzysztof Piskorski, with branching storylines and hard choices that impact the game’s progression. The companion app enhances the experience with voice-overs and automatic saves. While the game is enjoyable, it is noted for its lengthy setup and gameplay sessions.

Pros

Engaging Storyline: A unique and engaging story with branching narratives.

Deep Character Customization: Over 100 crew members with unique characteristics.

Detailed Components: High-quality miniatures, boards, and card trays.

Strategic Depth: Complex decisions in both planetary exploration and ship management.

Solo and Cooperative Play: Supports both solo and cooperative gameplay.

Cons

Lengthy Setup: Initial setup can take a significant amount of time.

Long Gameplay Sessions: Games can last 90-120 minutes.

Rulebook Clarity: Some areas of the rulebook lack detailed explanations, leading to confusion.

Time Commitment: Requires a substantial time commitment for each session.

Personal Thoughts on ISS Vanguard

ISS Vanguard is ideal for fans of cooperative strategy games and Sci-Fi enthusiasts. It offers a rich and immersive experience, especially for those who enjoy managing resources, making strategic decisions, and exploring unknown worlds. While it is playable with multiple players, the game’s depth and complexity make it particularly well-suited for solo play, allowing players to take full responsibility for all decisions. However, the lengthy setup and gameplay sessions may deter players seeking quicker game experiences.

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