Metal Adventures (2015) Board Game

Metal Adventures is a board game released in 2015, designed by Dimitri Bielak, Camille Durand-Kriegel, and Rémi “Remton” Le Capon. It is set in a universe filled with adventure, fantasy, fighting, and negotiation, where players take on the roles of space pirates. With a runtime of 45-60 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, Metal Adventures offers a unique gameplay experience with elements of dice rolling, open drafting, set collection, take that, and team-based gameplay.

Game Components of Metal Adventures

Game board

Two Space Decks (Near Space and Deep Space)

Player ships

Astrolabe (for tracking ship power, damage, glory points, and judgement points)

Dice (including a Metal Faktor die)

Cards for ship enhancements and challenges

Tokens for credits, glory points, and judgement points

Trader ships (including the Big Junk)

How To Setup Metal Adventures

To set up the game, place the board in the center of the table. Shuffle the two Space Decks separately and place the Near Space deck (blue) and Deep Space deck (red) within reach. Each player selects a ship and places it on the starting location on the board. The Astrolabe is used to track each player’s ship status.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions: Players can choose to rest (repair and prepare their ship), or embark on missions to loot and pillage.

Combat Mechanics: Battles involve rolling a die and adding the ship’s power; the Metal Faktor die can be used for additional power but incurs a penalty on the next turn.

Alliances and Betrayals: Players can form alliances for mutual benefit but can also betray each other for personal gain.

Trading: Players can trade resources except for glory points.

Objective: The first player to earn 10 glory points wins the game, which can be achieved by capturing enemy ships, earning trophies, or other challenges.

Player Experience

In **Metal Adventures**, players take on the roles of space pirates competing to earn glory and wealth. The game is marked by dynamic interactions, including forming alliances, trading resources, and engaging in combat. The Astrolabe is a standout component, simplifying the tracking of ship status and enhancing the thematic experience. However, the game can suffer from imbalance, where leading players continue to accumulate advantages, making it challenging for others to catch up.

Pros

Dynamic Interactions: Alliances, trading, and combat offer a rich and engaging player experience.

Thematic Design: The Astrolabe and other components enhance the space pirate theme.

Risk and Reward: The use of the Metal Faktor die introduces a strategic layer of risk and reward.

Quick Games: Games can be completed within a relatively short timeframe.

Cons

Imbalance: Leading players can continue to gain advantages, making it difficult for others to win.

Limited Influence on Leaders: Other players have limited options to hinder the progress of leading players.

Simple Combat: Combat mechanics, while thematic, are relatively simple.

Personal Thoughts on Metal Adventures

**Metal Adventures** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic gameplay with a strong focus on social interaction and thematic immersion. It suits groups of 3-6 players looking for a game that combines exploration, combat, and negotiation. However, players seeking a game with more balanced mechanics or complex combat may find the experience somewhat lacking. Despite this, **Metal Adventures** offers a fun and engaging experience for those who enjoy space-themed adventures and the thrill of being a space pirate.

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