| | | | | | | |

Pulsar 2849 (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Pulsar 2849 is a science fiction board game released in 2017 by Czech Games Edition. It was designed by Vladimír Suchý and features artwork by Sören Meding. The game is set in the future where players take on the role of space agencies exploring the galaxy and discovering pulsars.

Game Components of Pulsar 2849

  • Dice board
  • Six-sided dice
  • Player boards (Headquarter boards)
  • Technology boards
  • Goal tiles
  • Planetary system tiles
  • Engineering cubes
  • Die modifier tokens
  • Survey ships and gyrodyne tokens
  • Energy transmitter vectors
  • Pulsar tokens

    How To Setup Pulsar 2849

    To set up Pulsar 2849, begin by placing the main board in the center of the playing area. Each player selects a Headquarter board and places it within reach. Shuffle and distribute the planetary system tiles randomly around the board. Three technology boards and three goal tiles are selected and placed face up. Each player receives a set of starting resources and tokens. The dice are placed on the dice board ready for the first round.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Dice Rolling:** Roll dice to determine player actions.
  • Drafting:** Players draft dice from a communal pool.
  • Point to Point Movement:** Move survey ships and gyrodyne around the board.
  • Worker Placement with Dice Workers:** Use dice to perform actions.
  • Variable Player Powers:** Different actions and technologies available to each player.

    Game Objective:

    The objective is to score the most points by exploring space, claiming pulsars, developing technologies, and building energy-distribution infrastructure. Players achieve this through various actions such as flying survey ships, developing pulsars, building energy transmitter vectors, patenting technologies, and completing special projects.

    Player Experience

    Playing Pulsar 2849 is a strategic and engaging experience. The game is divided into eight rounds, each consisting of three phases: the Dice Phase, Action Phase, and Production Phase. Players must carefully draft dice to maximize their actions, balance their turn order and engineering cube generation, and make tactical decisions to outscore their opponents. The game offers high replay value due to the random distribution of planetary system tiles, technology boards, and goal tiles.

    Pros

  • Clever Dice Drafting Mechanic:** Unique use of the median to determine player order and engineering cube generation.
  • High Replay Value:** Random elements ensure different games each time.
  • Multiple Scoring Opportunities:** Various actions and technologies to score points.
  • Strategic Decision Making:** Balancing short-term and long-term goals.

    Cons

  • AP Prone Players:** May struggle with the complexity and decision-making.
  • Dice Rolling Impact:** Some players may dislike the randomness of dice rolls affecting their decisions.
  • Euro-Style Critics:** Not ideal for those who dislike point salads or Euro-style games.

    Personal Thoughts on Pulsar 2849

    Pulsar 2849 is an excellent choice for fans of Euro-style games and those who enjoy strategic planning and dice drafting mechanics. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate complex decision-making and high replay value. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer combat-oriented space themes or those who are easily frustrated by analysis paralysis. For those who enjoy a challenging and rewarding game experience, Pulsar 2849 is a standout in its category.

    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 *