Rocketmen (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rocketmen is a board game released in 2021 that combines elements of economic strategy, science fiction, and space exploration. Designed by Jakub Fajtanowski, Bartek Jędrzejewski, and Miłosz Wojtasik, and illustrated by PHALANX, the game offers a unique gaming experience for 1 to 4 players.

Game Components of Rocketmen

Game boards: 1 main game board and 4 player boards in different colors (white, red, yellow, and blue)

Elements: Rulebook, plastic component tray, 10 ziplock bags, 24 mission markers, 4 Victory point markers, 12 double-sided achievement markers, first player/alpha missile emblem, rocket launcher tag, moon tag, and mars tag

Cards: 48 Mission cards, 23 blue and 20 pink Resource cards, 15 Engine cards, 12 Threat cards, 18 Mission Success cards, 12 Personal Goals, 10 Game Variant Cards, and 7 solo play cards

How To Setup Rocketmen

To set up Rocketmen, each player selects a player board and places it in front of them. The main game board is positioned in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives two secret personal goals and a set of starting cards. The mission markers, victory point markers, and achievement markers are placed on the main board according to the rules. The various card decks (Mission, Resource, Engine, Threat, and Mission Success) are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Deck-building: Players acquire and manage cards to equip their missions.
– Push-your-luck: Launching missions involves risk, as success depends on the cards in hand.
– Resource Management: Players must manage resources effectively to support their missions.
– Turn-based: Each player takes one of four actions per turn (buy cards, place cards on the launch bay, discard cards, or launch a mission).

Game Objective:
– Gain Victory Points (VPs) by successfully launching space missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars.
– Complete personal secret goals to earn additional VPs.

Player Experience

Rocketmen offers a fast-paced and dynamic experience, where players must balance strategic planning with swift decision-making. The game requires predictive abilities and effective resource management to succeed in the space missions. The push-your-luck mechanism adds an element of excitement and risk, making each launch a tense and thrilling moment.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game immerses players in the thrilling world of space exploration.

Strategic Depth: Combines deck-building and resource management for a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Replayability: With secret personal goals and variable card draws, each game offers a unique experience.

Components: High-quality components, including colorful boards and detailed cards.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the number of mechanics and components.

Length: Games can vary from 30 to 90 minutes, which might be too long for some players.

Luck: The push-your-luck mechanism can sometimes feel too random, affecting the overall strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Rocketmen

Rocketmen is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy the theme of space exploration. It is suitable for teens and adults aged 14+, and it supports 1-4 players, making it a versatile addition to any game night. However, due to its complexity and length, it may not be the best choice for casual or beginner gamers. For those who enjoy a mix of strategy, risk, and thematic immersion, Rocketmen is a standout game that offers a unique and engaging experience.

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.