Planet Unknown (2022) Board Game

Planet Unknown is a board game released in 2022 by designers Ryan Lambert and Adam Rehberg, and published by Adam’s Apple Games, LLC. This game falls under the categories of City Building, Industry/Manufacturing, Puzzle, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, and Territory Building. With a playtime of 60-80 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Planet Unknown offers an engaging gaming experience for 1-6 players.

Game Components of Planet Unknown

7 unique planets

7 unique triple-layer corporation boards

144 unique polyomino tiles

14 plastic rover minis

60+ wooden meteorites

36 wooden life-pods

Gametrayz storage for tiles and board components

Lazy Susan space station for simultaneous tile drafting.

How To Setup Planet Unknown

To set up Planet Unknown, each player selects a planet mat and a corresponding corporation board, which can be double-sided to offer asymmetric gameplay. The polyomino tiles are placed on the Lazy Susan space station, allowing for simultaneous tile drafting. Players start with a set of rovers and life pods on their planet mat. The game requires a quick setup, thanks to the innovative storage and drafting mechanism.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Simultaneous Play: Enabled by the Lazy Susan space station.

Tile Placement: Players place polyomino-shaped tiles on their planet mats.

Engine-Building: Tiles advance players’ tracks for water, energy, biomass, rover movement, and technology.

Resource Management: Manage resources to support life on the planet.

Rover Management: Use rovers to clear meteorites and collect life pods.

Events: Meteorites and other obstacles that need to be managed.

Hidden Victory Points: Score points based on completed rows, columns, and other objectives.

Game Objective

The objective is to develop the best planet by efficiently placing tiles, managing resources, and clearing obstacles like meteorites. Players aim to maximize their victory points by completing rows and columns on their planet mat and advancing their corporation’s tracks.

Player Experience

Planet Unknown offers a dynamic and engaging experience with minimal downtime, thanks to its simultaneous play mechanism. Players enjoy a mix of strategic tile placement, resource management, and rover navigation. The game’s asymmetric elements, such as unique planets and corporation boards, ensure high replayability. The gameplay is light and easygoing, making it enjoyable for social gatherings while still providing depth and complexity for strategy enthusiasts.

Pros

Simultaneous Play: Reduces downtime and keeps all players engaged.

High Replayability: 49 different playable combinations of planets and corporation boards.

Asymmetric Gameplay: Unique experiences with each playthrough.

Innovative Mechanics: Combines tile placement, engine-building, and resource management.

Engaging and Social: Suitable for a wide range of player counts and ages.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple tracks and mechanics.

Luck Factor: Tile drafting can be unpredictable and affect strategy.

Interaction Limitations: Some players might find the positive interaction mechanisms less compelling.

Personal Thoughts on Planet Unknown

Planet Unknown is ideal for players who enjoy polyomino games, engine-building, and strategic resource management. It is particularly suited for groups looking for a game that supports a high player count without increasing gameplay time. The game’s unique blend of mechanics and its emphasis on simultaneous play make it a standout in the board game community, offering a fun and challenging experience for both casual and experienced gamers.

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