Unsettled is a board game released in 2021, designed by Bartek Fedyczak and Krista Zimmerman. The game is set in a science fiction universe focused on space exploration. Players work together to explore new planets and complete various missions and scenarios.
Game Components of Unsettled
Planet packs: Each planet offers unique twists and variations on the core systems.Focus cubes: Three dice-like cubes used for action selection, with values ranging from 0 to 3.Environment cards: Form the board and provide various opportunities and challenges.Opportunities deck: Features strange wildlife and curiosities to discover.Scientific breakthrough cards: Provide one-time-use abilities and insights.Player boards: Slightly asymmetrical, allowing for different player actions.LUNA (robot assistant): Used for gathering data and materials.Time track: Tracks time, with each reset reducing players’ Endurance.Endurance tokens: Represent players’ health, with each player starting with six tokens.
How To Setup Unsettled
To set up Unsettled, players first choose a planet and a scenario. The environment cards are laid out according to the scenario, forming the board. Each player selects a character and receives their player board. The opportunities deck and scientific breakthrough cards are prepared, and LUNA is placed on the starting node. Players set their focus cubes and Endurance tokens, and the game begins with the first player’s turn.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Action selection: Players use focus cubes to perform actions such as investigating the environment, gaining insight, healing, and gathering resources.Resource management: Managing focus cubes, time, and Endurance.Cooperative play: Players work together to complete survival tasks and solve puzzles unique to the chosen planet.Modular framework: Each planet and scenario presents distinct challenges and rules.Time mechanic: Time is a critical resource; actions and movements can advance the time track, leading to Endurance loss if not managed.Scientific breakthroughs: Gaining insights and breakthroughs to unlock special abilities and solve objectives.Objective completion: Completing a series of survival tasks and objectives to escape the planet.
Player Experience
Unsettled offers a rich and mentally stimulating experience, akin to games like Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion and Spirit Island. Players must make strategic decisions about which actions to take, how to manage time and resources, and how to utilize their unique abilities. The game’s puzzles are tightly crafted, with each planet providing a distinct set of challenges. The cooperative nature ensures that players are actively engaged even when it’s not their turn, as they can activate free actions to assist the team.
Pros
Innovative framework: Allows for unique gameplay experiences with each planet.Cooperative puzzle-solving: Encourages teamwork and strategic planning.Rich theme and writing: The game’s narrative is filled with sharp, witty writing and an earnest sense of wonder.Flexible system: Supports expansion with new planets and scenarios.Engaging gameplay: Players are always involved, even when it’s not their turn.
Cons
Linear scenarios: Once solved, scenarios can become less challenging on subsequent plays.Limited variability: Each scenario has a set sequence of objectives, reducing randomness.Dependence on expansions: To maintain long-term replayability, players need to purchase additional planets and scenarios.
Personal Thoughts on Unsettled
Unsettled is ideal for fans of cooperative puzzle games, particularly those who enjoy sci-fi themes and deep-space exploration. It is suited for players who appreciate strategic decision-making and the challenge of solving complex puzzles. While it may appeal more to experienced board game enthusiasts due to its complexity, its innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay make it a standout in the cooperative game genre. However, players seeking high replayability without additional purchases might find the linear nature of the scenarios limiting.
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