Orbital Conflict (2019) Board Game

Orbital Conflict is a science fiction card game designed by Kim Astor and released in in 2019. The game is set in outer space where players take on the roles of rival factions competing for control of different sectors of the galaxy. With beautiful artwork by Steel Cave Studio AB, Orbital Conflict offers an immersive experience for 2 to 4 players aged 12 and up.

Game Components of Orbital Conflict

Station Cards: Used to build and modify space stations.

Investor Cards: Provide victory points and requirements to fulfill.

Multi-use Cards: Can be played as standalone sections, added as extensions, or discarded for abilities and bonuses.

Resource Cards: Necessary to activate certain sections of the space station.

How To Setup Orbital Conflict

To set up the game, each player starts by drawing two station cards and two investor cards. This initial draw sets the stage for building and managing their space station. Players arrange their cards to form their space station, ensuring they have the necessary resources to activate various sections.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drawing: Players draw two station cards and two investor cards each turn.

Card Placement: Players lay cards from their hands into their space station, either as standalone sections or extensions to existing ones.

Resource Management: Certain cards require resources produced from other sections to activate.

Combat Phase: Players can attack other players’ space stations using activated sections.

Investor Cards: Meeting the requirements of investor cards earns players victory points.

Game End: The game ends when all cards have been drawn and the final turn is completed. The player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

Orbital Conflict is a highly interactive game where players constantly build, modify, and defend their space stations. The game is heavy on combat, meaning players will frequently attack and defend against each other. This interactive nature prevents any player’s space station from becoming too powerful before it is challenged. The multi-use cards offer tight and often difficult choices, adding depth to the game.

Pros

High Interactivity: Constantly engaging gameplay with frequent combat and defensive strategies.

Multi-use Cards: Flexible card usage adds complexity and strategy.

Resource Management: Managing resources to activate cards adds a layer of strategy.

Investor Card Mechanism: A neat sliding puzzle mechanism for managing investor cards.

Cons

Text-Heavy Cards: Some cards have a large body of text, which can be off-putting for some players.

Combat Focus: The heavy emphasis on combat may not suit players looking for a more passive experience.

Personal Thoughts on Orbital Conflict

Orbital Conflict is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a strong focus on interactivity and combat. It suits those who appreciate multi-layered gameplay mechanics and are comfortable with frequent changes in their game state. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer less confrontational or more straightforward games. The game’s complexity and text-heavy cards also make it more suited to experienced board game enthusiasts.

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