Mission Control: Critical Orbit (2023) Board Game

Mission Control: Critical Orbit is a cooperative board game set to be released in 2023 by 3WS Games. Designed by Corey Andalora and Donnie Coleman, with artwork by Victor Maristane, this game offers a unique experience of managing a space station in critical conditions.

Game Components of Mission Control: Critical Orbit

Player roles: One Aethernaut Flight Commander and up to 3 Flight Controllers.

Polyominoes: Used by the Aethernaut to build a path.

Tools and resources: Earned by Flight Controllers to help the Aethernaut.

Timer: A 20-minute timer that adds a real-time element to the game.

Unique task cards: Each Flight Controller has distinct tasks to complete.

How To Setup Mission Control: Critical Orbit

To set up the game, each player selects their role: one player becomes the Aethernaut Flight Commander, while the others take on the roles of Flight Controllers. Each player receives their respective task cards and resources. The game area is prepared with the polyominoes and the timer is set for 20 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asymmetric roles: The Aethernaut and Flight Controllers have different tasks and responsibilities.

Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to rescue the crew.

Roll and write mechanics: Players roll dice to determine their actions and write down their progress.

Real-time element: The game is played within a 20-minute time frame.

Game objective: The Aethernaut must build a path using polyominoes to restore oxygen and critical systems before the timer runs out. If successful, the players win; otherwise, the ship suffers a catastrophic failure.

Player Experience

In **Mission Control: Critical Orbit**, players are immersed in a high-stakes, real-time rescue mission. The Aethernaut relies on the Flight Controllers to provide necessary tools and resources, while the Controllers must efficiently complete their tasks to support the Aethernaut. This dynamic creates a tense and cooperative environment where communication and teamwork are crucial.

Pros

Engaging cooperative gameplay: Encourages teamwork and communication among players.

Real-time pressure: Adds an exciting and challenging element to the game.

Unique roles: Provides different experiences for each player.

Thematic immersion: The rescue mission theme is engaging and immersive.

Cons

Time constraint: The 20-minute timer can be stressful and may not suit all players.

Complexity: The asymmetric roles and real-time mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Limited replayability: The game’s scenario is fixed, which might reduce replay value.

Personal Thoughts on Mission Control: Critical Orbit

**Mission Control: Critical Orbit** is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games with a real-time twist. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate thematic immersion and the challenge of working under pressure. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more relaxed or competitive games. The game’s complexity and time constraint also make it more suitable for players aged 12 and above who can handle the intensity and strategy involved.

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