Meteor (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Meteor is a real-time, cooperative card game designed by Mike Young and published by Mayday Games in in 2014. The game is set in a science fiction universe where players work together to prevent a meteor from hitting Earth.

Game Components of Meteor

Cards: Player cards, meteor cards, and rocket cards.

Build Areas: Shared or individual depending on the player count.

Timer: To simulate the countdown to meteor impact.

Rulebook: For setup and gameplay instructions.

How To Setup Meteor

To set up Meteor, place a number of meteor cards in the center of the table, each representing an incoming meteor. Each player receives a hand of cards and accesses a build area. In games with six players, the build areas are shared. The timer is set to simulate the five-minute countdown before the meteors hit Earth.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Gameplay: Players act simultaneously without turns.

Cooperative Play: Players work together as a team.

Resource Management: Players manage cards to build and launch rockets.

Objective: Destroy all incoming meteors before the time runs out.

Player Experience

In Meteor, players are immersed in a frantic race against time to save Earth from an impending meteor storm. The game demands swift decision-making and effective teamwork, as players must coordinate their card plays to build and launch rockets. The real-time mechanic adds a layer of urgency, making the game intense and engaging.

Pros

Highly Interactive: Encourages teamwork and communication.

Quick Games: Each game lasts 5 minutes or less.

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

High Replayability: Random meteor placement ensures different challenges each game.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The Mayday Games version is for 1-5 players, unlike the earlier edition which supported 1-6 players.

Time Pressure: Can be stressful due to the real-time nature.

Luck Factor: Random card draws can influence game outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Meteor

Meteor is ideal for those who enjoy cooperative games and thrive under time pressure. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a quick, engaging game session. The game’s simplicity and fast-paced action make it a great addition to any game collection, especially for those who appreciate real-time challenges. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex strategies or those who prefer more relaxed gameplay experiences.

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