MOON (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

MOON is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2019. It was designed by Pablo Garaizar and is suitable for 1-4 players, with a runtime of 15-30 minutes. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Educational, and Math, making it a unique and engaging choice for players looking to exercise their strategic thinking skills.

Game Components of MOON

Base cards for each player, adding a small bit of asymmetry

Player Aid cards

Two Rovers per player

Resource tokens

Structure cards (blue Resources, yellow Flags, pink Abilities, and gray scoring cards)

Expedition cards for each era

Flag reward board

Heart tokens

How To Setup MOON

To set up MOON, each player receives a Base card, a Player Aid card, and two Rovers. The First Player Expedition card is given to the player who goes first, determined by who has the loudest voice or another method of choice. The game is ready to start once the initial resources and Expedition cards are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players draft cards from the current Era Structure deck.

Resource Management: Players produce and manage resources shown on their Yellow cards.

Engine Building: Players build their moon base by adding cards that provide resources, flags, abilities, and scoring points.

Asymmetric Start: Each player’s Base card is slightly different.

Game Objective

The goal is to build the best Moon City by earning the most popularity, measured in Hearts.

Players must manage resources, flags, and abilities to build high-power cards and gain end-of-round bonuses.

Player Experience

Playing MOON is a satisfying experience with a focus on small engine building and rapid resource development. The game is divided into three eras, each introducing new Structure and Expedition cards. Players must balance resource production, flag control, and ability usage to maximize their points. The game’s thematic design, including elements like Rovers and dwindling excitement levels, adds a layer of complexity and interaction.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of card drafting, resource management, and engine building keeps the game interactive and engaging.

Rapid Development: The game’s short span of three eras makes development quick and satisfying.

Thematic Design: The inclusion of Rovers and excitement levels adds a fun and thematic twist.

Humor: The flavor text on the cards and the quirky additions like drive-in theaters and taco stands on the moon keep the mood light.

Cons

Limited Eras: The game is short, with only three eras, which might make it feel too brief for some players.

Complexity in Interaction: Managing the various cards and abilities can be complex, especially with the Expedition cards and Rovers.

Personal Thoughts on MOON

MOON is ideal for fans of resource management and engine-building games. It is particularly appealing to those who enjoy card drafting mechanics and are looking for a game with a unique theme and engaging gameplay. While it may not scream space travel or exploration, it offers a solid and fun experience that is easy to grasp but challenging to master. If you enjoyed games like Villagers and Streets, or if you are a fan of games with a strong focus on resource management, MOON is definitely worth checking out.

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