Universal Rule: Second Wave (2018) Board Game

Universal Rule: Second Wave is a card game released in 2018 that falls under the category of science fiction and space exploration. It is designed by Sara Beauvais, Jason Washburn, and Fabrice Weiss, with artwork by Button Shy. The game is intended for 3-5 players, aged 8 and above, and has a runtime of 30-45 minutes. With a focus on hand management, Universal Rule: Second Wave puts players in the role of spacefaring factions striving for dominance in the galaxy.

Game Components of Universal Rule: Second Wave

18 cards (17 Planet Cards and 1 Edge Card)

Up to 25 coins or tokens per player to track credits (or credit tracker cards)

How To Setup Universal Rule: Second Wave

To set up the game, players can choose one of three methods:

Play **Second Wave** all by itself.

Randomize 17 Planet Cards and 1 Edge Card from both the original set and **Second Wave**.

Select a favorite combination of 17 Planet Cards and 1 Edge Card from both sets.
Each player needs to have a way to track credits, either using coins, tokens, or the optional credit tracker cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate)

Mechanics: Colonization, Resource Management, Area Control, Combat

Objective: Players aim to dominate the universe by colonizing new planets, exploring new areas, gaining credits from resources, and destroying threatening planets. The first player to achieve true dominance through victory points wins.

Player Experience

In **Universal Rule: Second Wave**, players engage in a dynamic and competitive battle for galactic control. The game introduces themes of duplicity (doubling effects), magnitude (size of your galaxy), and all-out attacking, which escalate the conflict to a new level. With a playtime of 30-45 minutes and support for 3-5 players, it offers a compact yet engaging experience.

Pros

Pocket-Sized: The game is extremely compact, making it easy to carry.

Versatile Setup: Players can randomize or choose their favorite card combinations.

Quick Playtime: Games last between 30-45 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Despite its small size, the game offers significant strategic depth.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 3-5 players, it may not be ideal for smaller or larger groups.

Additional Components Needed: Players need to obtain coins or tokens for tracking credits, or purchase additional credit tracker cards.

Personal Thoughts on Universal Rule: Second Wave

**Universal Rule: Second Wave** is perfect for fans of 4X games who are looking for a portable, quick-to-play experience. It’s ideal for those who enjoy strategic gameplay but have limited time or space. The game’s versatility in setup and its compact design make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for players aged 12 and above who are interested in space-themed strategy games.

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