Orbital (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Orbital is a strategic board game that was released in 2018 by designer Amelia Sales. The game is set in a science fiction universe and combines elements of city building and puzzle-solving. With its modular board and tile placement mechanics, Orbital offers a unique gaming experience for 2-4 players, aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Orbital

Cards: Representing various resources, actions, and upgrades.

Player Boards: For each player to manage their space station.

Resource Tokens: For tracking resources such as money, materials, and energy.

Upgrade Tokens: To enhance the players’ space stations.

Action Cards: To perform specific actions during the game.

How To Setup Orbital

To set up the game, each player chooses a player board and places it in front of them. The deck of cards is shuffled, and each player is dealt a starting hand. Resource tokens and upgrade tokens are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once all players have their boards and initial resources.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players must manage resources to build and upgrade their space stations.

Card Play: Players use action cards to perform various tasks, such as gathering resources or sabotaging opponents.

Engine-Building: Players upgrade their space stations to increase their efficiency and capabilities.

Objective: The goal is to build the most efficient and valuable space station by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Players engage in a strategic and competitive environment where they must balance resource gathering, card play, and upgrading their space stations. The game requires careful planning and tactical decision-making, as players need to adapt to the evolving game state and their opponents’ actions.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.

High Replayability: Different card combinations and player choices ensure varied gameplay.

Thematic Consistency: The game is well-integrated into the Star Scrappers universe, providing a cohesive thematic experience.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous mechanics and strategies.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can take a significant amount of time.

Limited Player Count: Best with 2-4 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Orbital

**Star Scrappers: Orbital** is ideal for fans of resource management and engine-building games, particularly those who enjoy complex strategic gameplay. It is suited for experienced board game players who appreciate deep mechanics and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the game. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new players due to its complexity, it offers a highly rewarding experience for those who enjoy challenging and strategic games.

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