The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine (2019) Board Game

The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine is a cooperative trick-taking card game that was designed by Thomas Sing and published by KOSMOS in in 2019. It has gained popularity for its unique blend of communication limits, hand management, and scenario-based gameplay set in a science fiction theme of space exploration.

Game Components of The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

Card Deck: 50 large cards numbered 1 to 9 in four different suits (yellow, pink, blue, and green) and a special suit of four rocket cards.

Task Cards: A smaller deck of cards assigning specific tasks to players.

Communication Tokens: Tokens used for limited communication between players.

Logbook: Contains 50 missions with increasing difficulty and narrative context.

Moon Cards and Comm Tokens: Player reminders and communication tools.

Captain Standee: A token representing the captain each round.

How To Setup The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

To set up the game, shuffle the large card deck and deal the cards as evenly as possible among the players. Shuffle the smaller task card deck and draw the relevant task cards for the current mission. Each player receives a Moon card and a communication token. The game is ready to start once these components are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to complete missions.

Trick-Taking Mechanics: Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card.

Trump Suit: The rocket suit is the most powerful and can only be played under specific conditions.

Task Cards: Players must win specific cards or tricks as indicated by their task cards.

Limited Communication: Players can reveal one card per round using a communication token to indicate its value relative to other cards of the same suit.

Mission Completion: The game is won when all task cards are completed successfully; a failure in any mission means the round must be replayed.

Mission Variety: The logbook includes 50 missions with increasing difficulty and varying special conditions.

Player Experience

Playing **The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine** is a challenging yet highly rewarding experience. The game’s silent communication mechanic adds a unique layer of interaction, making players rely on strategic thinking and careful observation. The missions escalate in difficulty, providing a significant replay value as players strive to complete all 50 missions. The game’s compact design and high-quality components make it an excellent addition to any board game collection.

Pros

High Replayability: With 50 missions of increasing difficulty, the game offers extensive replay value.

Unique Mechanics: The limited communication system and cooperative trick-taking mechanics make for a compelling gameplay experience.

Great for Travel: The game is compact and easy to set up, making it perfect for on-the-go entertainment.

Family Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great family game.

Awards and Recognition: Winner of the 2020 Kennerspiel des Jahres and other notable awards.

Cons

Rulebook Complexity: The rulebook can be daunting, though the game itself is simpler once understood.

Frustration Factor: Some missions can be frustrating due to bad luck or miscommunication.

Personal Thoughts on The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

**The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine** is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy the challenge of trick-taking mechanics. It is particularly suited for families and groups looking for a game that requires strategic teamwork and communication. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking a highly entertaining, light-hearted experience, it is perfect for those who appreciate a good puzzle and are willing to invest time into mastering the game’s nuances.

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