Space Mission is a space exploration themed board game designed by Anne Pätzke and released in in 2011. It is published by Desyllas Games and Schmidt Spiele. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players and has a runtime of approximately 45 minutes. Players are tasked with managing their resources and completing various space missions to earn points and emerge as the winner.
Game Components of Space Mission
Spacecraft: Rocket, satellite, capsule, lunar module, each developable up to level 3.Specialist Cards: 6 different specialists with 10 different actions.Technology Decks: Representing 6 technologies, each with mission control cards that may include problems.Enhancements: Extra tank, fuel, thrust, backup systems (life support, control, sensor).Event Cards: Impacting missions by damaging backup systems or causing space sickness.Mission Control Cards: Drawn during missions to resolve technological problems.Scenario Cards: Determine media missions and special victory point categories.Bonus Tiles: Provide additional bonuses in each round.Optional Modules: Astronaut Module, Experience Module, Solo Module.
How To Setup Space Mission
Setting up **Space Mission** involves several steps:
Each player starts with all basic spacecraft.Technologies are set up with their respective decks, initially unreliable.Mission cards are randomly selected from a pool of 22 different missions, with only 8 used per game.Scenario cards and bonus tiles are randomized to add variety.Players prepare their specialists and enhancements.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Player Turn: Players play one specialist card at a time, up to 5 cards or until they pass.Mission Preparation: Players prepare for missions by acquiring fuel, training astronauts, increasing technology reliability, and creating enhancements.Mission Execution: Missions are processed from top to bottom and left to right, drawing mission control cards to resolve technological problems.Victory Points: Awarded for completing missions, with additional points for manned missions if astronauts return safely.Media Missions: Special missions that vary each game, with only the first player to complete them earning media mission points.Game End: The game ends after the completion of mission #8 “Lunar Landing” or after 8 rounds in the year 1969. The player with the most victory points wins.
Player Experience
**Space Mission** offers a deeply immersive and challenging experience, particularly suited for fans of space exploration and complex strategy games. With a playtime of 60 to 90 minutes, players must balance resource management, technological advancements, and risk mitigation. The game’s variability, with 22,680 different game setups, ensures high replayability.
Pros
High Replayability: With numerous scenarios, missions, and bonus tiles, each game is unique.Deep Strategy: Players must manage resources, technologies, and risks effectively.Thematic Immersion: Strongly themed around space missions, enhancing the player experience.Color Vision Deficiency Friendly: Game materials are optimized for players with color vision deficiencies.
Cons
Complex Setup: Requires careful preparation and understanding of the rules.Long Playtime: Games can last 60 to 90 minutes, which may not suit all players.Steep Learning Curve: Ideal for experienced players due to its complexity.
Personal Thoughts on Space Mission
**Space Mission** is perfect for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic gameplay and are fascinated by space exploration. It is not a game for casual players due to its complex mechanics and lengthy setup. However, for those who appreciate depth and replayability, **Space Mission** offers a rewarding and challenging 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.
