Junk Orbit (2018) Board Game

Junk Orbit is a board game released in 2018, designed by Eric Hibbeler and published by Renegade Game Studios. It is a science fiction themed game that involves transporting junk through space. Players take on the role of salvage ships collecting and delivering debris to different planets for points.

Game Components of Junk Orbit

Modular board tiles representing Earth, the Moon, Mars, and its two moons

Wooden rocket ship meeples

Rocket ship cards with unique abilities (double-sided for increased replayability)

Space trash pieces with varying values

City tiles with specific junk requirements

Advanced mode “night side” planet locations for increased challenge

How To Setup Junk Orbit

To set up the game, players lay out the modular board tiles in the middle of the table, creating the orbits of Earth, the Moon, Mars, and its two moons. Each player selects a wooden rocket ship meeple and its corresponding rocket ship card, which provides a unique ability. Players start with some standard and random pieces of space trash. The game requires a few minutes to set up and organize the tiles before play can begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Pick-up and Delivery Mechanic: Players collect and deliver space junk to specified cities.

Gravity and Propulsion: When a player tosses junk in one direction, their spaceship moves an equal amount in the opposite direction.

Unique Abilities: Rocket ship cards offer special abilities that can influence gameplay.

Objective: Deliver junk to cities to score victory points. The game ends when one of the three stacks (Earth, Moon, or Mars) of trash is empty.

“Take That” Element: Players can tactically land junk on another player’s location, forcing them to drop cargo.

Player Experience

**Junk Orbit** is a game that balances simplicity with strategic depth. Players enjoy the unique movement mechanics, which feel natural after a few rounds. The game is colorful and fun, making it accessible to both kids and adults. It typically takes around 40-45 minutes to play, supporting up to five players. The “night side” advanced mode adds an extra layer of challenge for experienced players.

Pros

Unique and engaging movement mechanics

Double-sided rocket ship cards for increased replayability

Supports up to five players

Family-friendly yet challenging enough for adults

Colorful and fun artwork

Cons

Game end can creep up unexpectedly if players focus on one location

Non-standard packaging may not fit on all shelves

Personal Thoughts on Junk Orbit

**Junk Orbit** is ideal for those looking for a light-hearted yet strategic game. It’s perfect for families and casual gamers who enjoy pick-up and delivery mechanics with a twist. The game’s unique blend of gravity and propulsion makes it stand out in its genre, offering a fun and competitive experience. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master, **Junk Orbit** is a great addition to your game collection.

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