Welcome to my first in a series of reviews where I will give a broad glimpse of a board game through the eyes of a Board Game Geek after just a single play through of the game. For my first article, I will be reviewing the game, Cosmic Encounter.
Cosmic Encounter is a Sci-fi theme board game which was first published in 1977 by Eon Games. It has since been re-published several times by different companies leading to the most recent release by Fantasy Flight Games in 2008. This is the version that I had the opportunity of playing recently thanks to a kind individual who tabled the game at the most recent TABScon event.
In the game, you play an alien race that is trying to expand into five other foreign worlds which is controlled by the other player controlled alien races. This is done by invading other worlds or by supporting the other aliens as they push into foreign worlds.
The Components of the FFG release are very nice. The cards for the different alien races are sturdy, look beautiful and are easy enough to understand considering the theme of the game. The cardboard planets are of a nice and robust material while the ships are made of a sturdy molded plastic and they stack very nicely. The rule booklet is easy to understand and laid out very nicely.
As for game play, a player's turn is comprised of several phases in which they regroup, pick a target (which is done through a draw deck), attacking, resolving and if successful deciding on whether to try another offensive or to pass. The game is very interactive requiring players to call for aid in defending or attacking, or backing one side or another and at times choosing when to stay neutral. The game flows crisply and is very fun. While the game can be a little nasty, it rarely is ever intentional. Rather it is simply a decision of doing what is best for your alien race to survive.
Overall, this game is a must play for anybody who enjoys interactivity, science fiction and/or a deep and engaging theme. I look forward to the next time I get to play this game.
Components: 8.5 / 10
Gameplay: 9.0 / 10
Theme: 9.0 / 10
Replay Value: 10 / 10
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