Risk: Mass Effect – Galaxy at War Edition (2013) Board Game

Risk: Mass Effect – Galaxy at War Edition is a board game that was released in in 2013. It combines the classic strategy game of Risk with the popular video game series Mass Effect. Players take on the role of their favorite characters from the Mass Effect universe and battle it out for control of the galaxy.

Game Components of Risk: Mass Effect – Galaxy at War Edition

Game board featuring 42 planets grouped into six Regions

5 six-sided dice and 4 eight-sided dice

Reaper Vanguard Tokens and Devastation Tokens

Harbinger Pieces

27 Reaper Faction Cards, 27 Alliance Faction Cards, and 27 Cerberus Faction Cards

18 War Assets Cards

Chip pieces representing three different classes of ships for each Faction

Alliance, Reaper, and Cerberus units and ships.

How To Setup Risk: Mass Effect – Galaxy at War Edition

Setting up the game involves distributing the planets among the players. Each player claims planets until all are occupied. The Alliance and Cerberus players stop claiming planets once they reach specific thresholds, allowing the Reaper player to claim the remaining planets. The game board is then ready for play, with the Harbinger piece placed to mark the Reaper’s progress on the Momentum Meter.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Modes:
– Basic Training: Introductory version.
– Galaxy at War: Advanced version for a customized Mass Effect experience.
– War Assets: Quick play card and dice only game.

Faction Objectives:

Alliance: Find the Catalyst to activate the Crucible and end the Reaper threat.

Reapers: Harvest all Alliance forces to continue the cycle of extinction.

Cerberus: Take control of 10 out of the 13 strategic resource planets.

Combat Mechanics: Use dice for battles; attackers can use up to 3 units, while defenders can use up to 2 units. Special cards and ships can modify dice rolls.

Player Experience

Playing **Risk: Mass Effect – Galaxy at War Edition** immerses you in the intense struggle of the Mass Effect universe. The game combines strategic territorial control with the unique twists of the Mass Effect narrative, such as the Reaper threat and the allegiance of Cerberus. Players must balance resource management, unit deployment, and strategic card play to achieve their faction’s objectives. The game offers a rich and engaging experience for fans of both the Mass Effect series and strategy board games.

Pros

Thematic Integration: Deeply rooted in the Mass Effect universe, offering a compelling narrative.

Multiple Game Modes: Allows for different levels of complexity and playstyle.

Strategic Depth: Combines territory control with resource management and card play.

Replayability: Variable faction objectives and randomized card draws ensure high replayability.

Cons

Complexity: The advanced game modes can be overwhelming for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy, especially with multiple players.

Dice Dependency: Combat outcomes are heavily dependent on dice rolls, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Risk: Mass Effect – Galaxy at War Edition

**Risk: Mass Effect – Galaxy at War Edition** is ideal for fans of the Mass Effect series and those who enjoy complex strategy games. It offers a unique blend of Risk’s classic mechanics with the rich lore of Mass Effect, making it a must-play for anyone looking to combine their love of science fiction with strategic gameplay. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to strategy board games due to its complexity and length.

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.