| | | | | | |

New Frontiers (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

New Frontiers is a board game designed by Thomas Lehmann and published by Rio Grande Games in in 2018. It is a science fiction game that focuses on space exploration and colonization. The game is based on the popular board game, Race for the Galaxy, but introduces new mechanics and gameplay elements to provide a fresh experience for players.

Game Components of New Frontiers

  • Player boards: For each player to manage their empire.
  • Development tiles: 16 small and 8 large developments, each with unique abilities and victory points.
  • Planet tiles: Randomly drawn from a bag, each producing different goods.
  • Action tiles: Six to seven actions depending on the game mode, including Explore, Settle, Develop, Produce, Trade/Consume, and sometimes Dispatch.
  • Goods tokens: Representing Ancient Alien Tech, Genes/Biological Tech, Rare Earth Metals, and Novelty.
  • Victory point tokens**.
  • Unique player powers: Each player has a distinct starting ability.

    How To Setup New Frontiers

    To set up New Frontiers, each player selects a unique starting power and receives a player board. The development and planet tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The action tiles are arranged face up, and each player starts with a set of basic goods and credits. The game begins with each player drawing a starting hand of planets and developments, setting the stage for a diverse and dynamic game environment.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Action Selection: Players take turns selecting an action that everyone can perform, but the active player receives a bonus and performs the action first.
  • Explore: Draw planets from a bag and use a drafting system to colonize new worlds.
  • Settle: Colonize the planets discovered via the Explore action.
  • Develop: Build development tiles that provide special abilities and victory points.
  • Produce: Produce goods on colonized planets.
  • Trade/Consume: Trade goods for credits or consume them for victory points.
  • Dispatch: In advanced games, dispatch a diplomatic envoy for additional benefits.
  • Objective: Build the most powerful and prosperous space empire by accumulating victory points through consuming goods, getting developments, and colonizing planets.

    Player Experience

    New Frontiers offers a dynamic and strategic experience where each game is unique due to the random selection of developments and planets. Players must optimize their strategies around the actions they select, while also adapting to the actions chosen by their opponents. The game rewards deep understanding of its mechanisms and economics but can feel repetitive once the underlying details are fully grasped. New players may find the initial information overload challenging, but the unique starting powers help guide them.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Different developments and planets each game ensure varied gameplay.
  • Deep Strategy: Requires long-term planning and strategic decision-making.
  • Fair Gameplay: Avoids long wait times and is less unforgiving compared to Puerto Rico.
  • Theme and Variety: Superior theme and more varied strategies compared to Puerto Rico.

    Cons

  • Repetitive Nature: Once strategies are established, gameplay can become repetitive.
  • Information Overload: New players may find the initial setup and rules overwhelming.
  • Lack of Tension: Some players find the game lacks tension after understanding the mechanisms.

    Personal Thoughts on New Frontiers

    New Frontiers is ideal for fans of engine-building and action selection games, particularly those who enjoy the Race for the Galaxy series and Puerto Rico. It is suitable for players who appreciate complex strategies and are willing to invest time in understanding the game’s mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for new players due to the initial complexity, it offers a rich and dynamic experience for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *