We’re Doomed! (2019) Board Game

We’re Doomed! is a fast-paced negotiation and strategy game designed by Mike Horton and published by Breaking Games in in 2019. The game is centered around players representing different nations coming together to build a spaceship to escape a doomed Earth. With a mix of auction/bidding, player elimination, variable player powers, and voting mechanics, players must work together and against each other to secure their spot on the spaceship before time runs out.

Game Components of We’re Doomed!

10 Government Civilization cards with standees

10 player aids

1 first player poker chip

2 cloth bags with plastic fasteners

70 Influence Tokens

140 Resource Tokens

100 Event cards (Public and Clandestine)

A 15-minute sand timer

Box insert doubling as an hourglass platform and “Project” contribution area.

How To Setup We’re Doomed!

To set up the game, players choose a Civilization card, and the first player flips over the hourglass timer to start the 15-minute game duration. Each player receives their respective Civilization card, which defines their actions and bonuses.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Action Phase: Players take one action each, such as Produce, Indoctrinate, Propagandize, Invade, or Nuke.

Contribution Phase: Players bid Resources to build the rocket, with the highest bidder gaining Influence and an Event card.

Event Cards: Public and Clandestine cards that alter gameplay rules or impose challenges.

Objective:

The goal is to build an escape rocket within 15 minutes by contributing Resources.

Influence tokens determine the order in which players board the rocket; only those with enough Influence secure a seat.

Player Experience

We’re Doomed offers an intense, cooperative yet competitive experience. Players must navigate the pressure of a ticking sand timer, contributing Resources while gaining Influence to secure their spot on the escape rocket. The game is renowned for its hilarious Event cards, which can significantly alter gameplay, creating unpredictability and excitement. The dynamic nature of the game, with its adaptable rules and varied scenarios, ensures no two games are the same, making it highly replayable.

Pros

Fast-paced and Engaging: The 15-minute gameplay keeps players focused and entertained.

High Replayability: Adaptable rules and varied Event cards ensure different experiences each time.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation, bartering, and social contracts among players.

Easy to Learn: Straightforward rules make it accessible to both new and seasoned gamers.

Cons

Limited Variety at Higher Player Counts: Civilization cards repeat at 6-10 player counts, reducing variety.

Potential for Analysis Paralysis: Players taking the game too seriously can slow down gameplay.

Simple Mechanics: Can feel repetitive due to its straightforward mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on We’re Doomed!

We’re Doomed is perfect for those seeking a thrilling, high-stakes board game experience. It is ideal for game nights and group gatherings, especially with larger player counts. The game requires players who are willing to have fun and not take the game too seriously, making it a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy fast-paced, social, and occasionally hilarious gameplay.

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