Rocket Jockey (2012) Board Game

Rocket Jockey is a card game that was released in in 2012. Designed by Cliff Chiang and James Reynoso, this game is set in a science fiction universe where players take on the role of rocket jockeys competing in a high-speed race through space. With its unique theme and gameplay mechanics, Rocket Jockey offers a thrilling and strategic gaming experience for 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of Rocket Jockey

Deck of 92 cards: Featuring planets, cargo, and maneuvers.

Plastic rocket piece: A solid, tiny plastic rocket.

Co-pilot cards: Each player starts with 4 of these cards.

Planet cards: 9 numbered planet cards.

Cargo cards: Placed under each planet card, showing different destination planets.

Maneuver cards: Allow movement between specific planets.

Alien card: Introduced in the second run through the maneuver deck.

How To Setup Rocket Jockey

To set up the game, lay out the 9 numbered planet cards in a row, each with a random cargo card showing a different destination planet. Each player is dealt 2 maneuver cards, and the rest form a draw deck from which 3 cards are placed face-up. Players also receive 4 co-pilot cards. During the second cycle through the maneuver deck, an Alien card is shuffled into the bottom few cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their maneuver and co-pilot cards.

Pick-up and Deliver: Players move cargo between planets.

Set Collection: Players aim to deliver cargo from the most different planets.

Objective: Deliver the most valuable cargos using the most maneuvers, while visiting the most planets. The game ends when the alien reaches Earth or when a player delivers the alien to Earth. The player with the most points, earned from deliveries and bonus points for the number of planets visited, wins.

Player Experience

Rocket Jockey is a tactical game that requires intricate calculations and strategic thinking. Players must balance drawing the right cards, using co-pilots to manipulate maneuvers, and guessing which cargo to ship in future rounds. This game is not for casual players, as turns can be long and involve complex decision-making. However, for those who enjoy complex tactical puzzles, it offers a rewarding experience.

Pros

Depth in Strategy: Offers a lot of depth with complex tactical calculations.

Unique Mechanics: Combines hand management with pick-up and deliver mechanics.

Engaging Theme: Set in a science fiction universe with the challenge of dealing with alien life.

Cons

Long Turns: Turns can be agonizingly long due to the complexity of decision-making.

Theming Issues: The theme does not come across well for some players.

Lack of Casual Appeal: Not suitable for casual players due to its complexity.

Personal Thoughts on Rocket Jockey

Rocket Jockey is ideal for players who enjoy complex tactical games and are willing to invest time in strategic planning. It is not a game for everyone, especially not for those looking for a casual or quick play experience. However, for enthusiasts of intricate game mechanics and science fiction themes, Rocket Jockey can be a highly engaging and challenging game.

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