One Earth (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

One Earth is a board game released in 2022 by Cation Arts. It is a game focused on civilization, economic, environmental, and political themes. Players take on the role of world leaders trying to balance the needs of their own civilization while also protecting the planet.

Game Components of One Earth

Player Boards: Each player has a unique board representing their nation.

Project Cards: These cards increase a nation’s prosperity and emissions.

Climate Policies and Technologies Cards: These reduce emissions and modify project effects.

Leader Characters: Six different leaders with unique end-game scoring motivations.

Resolution Cards: Used for United Nations sanctions and other global effects.

Money and Emission Tokens: Track players’ income and environmental impact.

Critical and Danger Cards: Triggered by high global emissions, these can end the game.

How To Setup One Earth

To set up One Earth, each player chooses a leader character and places their player board on the table. The Project, Climate Policies, and Technologies decks are shuffled and placed within reach. Each player starts with a set amount of money and zero emissions. The Critical and Danger cards are prepared according to the global emissions track. The game also includes a United Nations track for resolving sanctions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage their income and emissions.

Area Control: Not applicable in the traditional sense; instead, players control their nation’s projects.

Negotiation: Players can trade money and collaborate on projects.

Asymmetry: Different leaders have unique scoring motivations.

Resolution Voting: Used for United Nations sanctions.

Game Objective

The objective is to achieve the highest prosperity (victory points) by buying Project cards while keeping global emissions under control. The game ends when a player reaches 20 prosperity or when global emissions exceed 30, causing the “Earth to blow up” and resulting in a loss for all players except the one with the lowest emissions.

Player Experience

Playing One Earth is a dynamic and interconnected experience. Players must navigate the fine line between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The game is vibrant, with colorful vector art that visually distinguishes between environmental and polluting projects. The political aspect is robust, allowing players to form alliances, trade resources, and influence each other’s decisions through the United Nations mechanism. The ability to colonize Mars adds a humorous and strategic element, providing a safety net against catastrophic global emissions.

Pros

Vibrant Visuals: Colorful vector art enhances the game’s aesthetic.

Deep Politics: Negotiation and trading mechanics add depth.

Asymmetry: Unique leader characters make each game different.

Thematic Relevance: The game addresses real-world issues like sustainability and emissions.

Interactive Gameplay: Players are constantly engaged with each other’s actions.

Cons

Complexity: The game has multiple mechanics and rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: Games can be lengthy, especially with more players.

Dependence on Player Interaction: The game’s enjoyment relies heavily on active participation from all players.

Personal Thoughts on One Earth

One Earth is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with strong thematic elements and social interaction. It is particularly suited for those interested in environmental issues and economic strategy. The game’s complexity and length make it more appealing to experienced board game enthusiasts, but the engaging gameplay and vibrant design can also attract new players looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

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