Space Explorers (2017) Board Game

Space Explorers is a board game released in 2017 by CrowD Games. Designed by Yuri Zhuravljov and featuring artwork by Alexey Kot, the game is set in the realm of space exploration, where players take on the role of competing space agencies aiming to expand their influence throughout the galaxy. With a focus on card drafting and set collection, Space Explorers offers a strategic and engaging gameplay experience for 2 to 4 players.

Game Components of Space Explorers

Specialist cards: Each with unique abilities and skills.

Project tiles: Representing satellites, manned spaceships, and orbital stations.

Research tokens: Used as resources in the game.

Division cards: Where Specialists are assigned based on their skills.

Player boards: For each Research & Development Hub.

Rulebook: Detailed and easy to navigate.

How To Setup Space Explorers

To set up the game, each player chooses a player board representing their Research & Development Hub. The Specialist cards are shuffled and placed in their respective divisions. Project tiles are set aside, and each player starts with a basic set of Research tokens. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting resources and the Specialist cards are laid out face up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card drafting and set collection: Players recruit Specialists and complete Projects.

Closed loop resource system: Resources are passed to the player on the left when a Specialist is recruited.

Engine-building: Adding Specialists to your hub increases your resources and abilities.

Unique abilities: Each Specialist card has a unique ability, but only the top card’s ability is active.

Objective: Score Progress points by recruiting Specialists and completing Projects. The game ends when all Projects are completed or a player has 12 Specialists. The player with the most Progress points wins.

Player Experience

**Space Explorers** offers a engaging and strategic gameplay experience, similar to games like Splendor but with a distinct space exploration theme. Players must carefully manage their resources and Specialist abilities to achieve their goals. The game’s engine-building mechanism makes it satisfying to see your hub grow in capabilities over time. The beautiful, retro-themed artwork adds to the immersive experience, making it enjoyable to play and appreciate the visual details.

Pros

Engaging engine-building: Builds up your capabilities over time.

Strategic depth: Requires careful resource management and planning.

Beautiful artwork: Retro-themed and high-quality card design.

Simple yet satisfying gameplay: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Solo play option: Can be adapted for solo gameplay with a simple setup.

Cons

Resource dependency on opponents: Passing resources to the player on the left can feel like a double-edged sword.

Limited player count: Best with 2-4 players; solo play requires additional setup.

Personal Thoughts on Space Explorers

**Space Explorers** is ideal for fans of card drafting and set collection games, particularly those who enjoy titles like Splendor and Century: Spice Road. It’s a great addition to any collection, offering a unique blend of strategy and thematic appeal. If you’re looking for a game that combines simple mechanics with deep strategic play and a compelling theme, **Space Explorers** is definitely worth considering. It’s suitable for players aged 10 and above, and games typically last between 20-40 minutes, making it a great fit for both casual and experienced gamers.

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