Xenofera (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Xenofera is a card game designed by Jeff Porter and released in in 2017. It is a science fiction themed game that involves hand management, set collection, and take that mechanics. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, with a runtime of about 60 minutes. Players must collect exotic alien animals to win the game.

Game Components of Xenofera

Cards: Crew cards, cage cards, alien creature (Xenofera) cards, and sabotage cards.

Player Boards: For managing crew, cages, and captured creatures.

Tokens: For tracking resources and creature values.

How To Setup Xenofera

To set up Xenofera, each player starts by selecting a player board and receiving a set of starting cards, including crew and cage cards. The deck of alien creature cards is shuffled, and a number of these cards are drawn and placed face up on the table, depending on the number of players. Players also receive a set amount of resource tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Recruit Crew: Players must recruit crew members to aid in capturing creatures.

Build Cages: Constructing cages is necessary to capture and hold the alien creatures.

Capture Creatures: Using the crew and cages to capture the most valuable alien creatures.

Sabotage: Players can use sabotage cards to steal cages, creatures, or lure away other players’ crew members.

Battle: Players can engage in battles to protect their creatures and resources.

Objective: The player with the most valuable collection of alien creatures at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Xenofera offers a dynamic and interactive experience where players must balance resource management, strategic planning, and social interaction. The game requires players to think ahead, manage their resources effectively, and sometimes negotiate or battle with other players to protect their acquisitions.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game combines resource management, crew recruitment, and cage building, offering a rich strategic experience.

Interactive Gameplay: Players frequently interact with each other through sabotage and battles, making the game engaging and social.

Variability: The random draw of creature cards and the use of sabotage cards introduce a high level of variability, ensuring each game is unique.

Cons

Complexity: The game has several mechanics to keep track of, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: With an average playtime of 30 to 75 minutes, it may not be suitable for players looking for a quick game.

Luck Factor: The random draw of cards can sometimes lead to uneven starting conditions or unexpected turns of events.

Personal Thoughts on Xenofera

Xenofera is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a mix of resource management and social interaction. It is particularly suited for those who like games that require planning, negotiation, and a bit of luck. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a simple, quick game. The game’s complexity and length make it more appealing to experienced board game enthusiasts.

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