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The Search for Planet X (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

The Search for Planet X is a deduction and puzzle board game released in 2020 by Foxtrot Games. Designed by Matthew O’Malley and Ben Rosset, this game challenges players to use logic and deduction to discover the location of the elusive Planet X in our solar system. With a unique blend of strategy and deduction, The Search for Planet X offers a fresh and engaging gameplay experience for 1 to 4 players.

Game Components of The Search for Planet X

  • Solar System Board**
  • Earth board**
  • Wooden Sun Disc**
  • 48 Theory Tokens (12 per player)**
  • 4 Player Screens**
  • 8 Target tokens (2 per player)**
  • 4 Player Miniatures**
  • 1 Pad of Note Sheets (double-sided)**
  • 4 Expert Mode Cards**
  • 1 Rules book**
  • Free companion app**

    How To Setup The Search for Planet X

    To set up the game, players each receive a player screen, a set of theory tokens, target tokens, and a player miniature. The Solar System Board is placed in the center, with the Earth board rotating on it to simulate the changing visibility of sky sectors. Each player starts with a few initial clues provided by the companion app, which varies based on the season (represented by the player’s position around the board). Players also receive a deduction sheet to note their findings.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Use the companion app** to survey for objects and take other actions.
  • Perform scans** to learn what objects are in specific sectors of the sky.
  • Attend conferences** to gain additional indirect information about object locations.
  • Research rules** to understand relationships between different celestial bodies.
  • Publish theories** by placing tokens on the board, which can reveal more information when checked.
  • Deduce the location** of Planet X and other objects using gathered information.
  • Objective:** Be the first to correctly locate Planet X and score points by identifying other celestial bodies.

    Player Experience

    The Search for Planet X offers a thrilling and competitive experience, capturing the essence of scientific investigation and deduction. Players must meticulously note and analyze the information they gather, often feeling a sense of paranoia as they wonder if other players are ahead. The game requires mental bandwidth, making it less suitable for casual or impromptu play. However, the sense of accomplishment when solving the puzzle is highly rewarding.

    Pros

  • Engaging deduction mechanics** that demand genuine thought without becoming frustratingly complex.
  • High replayability** due to the app generating random arrangements of objects and Planet X’s location each game.
  • Adjustable difficulty** allowing players of different skill levels to play together.
  • Solo play option** using the companion app.
  • Thematic integration** with real scientific investigation, making it appealing to astronomy enthusiasts.

    Cons

  • Requires mental focus** and is not suitable for players seeking action or casual play.
  • Limited interaction** with other players, as the game is more focused on individual deduction.
  • Dependence on the app** for gameplay, though it is well-designed and integral to the game’s mechanics.

    Personal Thoughts on The Search for Planet X

    The Search for Planet X is ideal for fans of deduction games, particularly those with an interest in astronomy or scientific puzzles. It offers a challenging yet rewarding experience that simulates the real-world search for a hypothetical planet. While it may not be the best fit for players looking for high interactivity or action, it is a standout in its genre, providing a unique and engaging puzzle-solving adventure.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl