Beyond the Sun
Beyond the Sun review
Beyond the Sun is a space civilization game that offers a lot of options for players to explore. It's a worker placement game where players compete to be the best in economics, science, and galactic influence. The game is played over a variable number of rounds until a set number of game-ending achievements are reached. The winner is the player with the most victory points. I've found that every game feels different due to the randomized elements and the diverse paths to victory. I love the mechanics of this game, and the tech tree is very engaging.
The game's components are high quality and I've been impressed with the board's design. The icons are easy to understand and the rules are clear and concise. I found the rulebook easy to follow, but some people might find it a bit dry.
While there is some player interaction, it's mainly in the form of blocking players from taking certain actions, which can be frustrating for some. However, I personally enjoy the strategic aspect of this. It definitely makes you think on your toes. One of the things I love most about the game is how it evolves as the game goes on. The tech tree opens up more possibilities and the game's complexity grows with it. I've never found the game to be overwhelming, though. It's a perfect blend of strategy and accessible gameplay.
One thing that is important to note is that Beyond the Sun is not a light game. It takes a bit of time to learn and can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're not familiar with this style of game. I would highly recommend watching a playthrough video or reading a tutorial before jumping in, to ensure you're familiar with the game's mechanics.
Overall, I think Beyond the Sun is a great game. It's a complex and rewarding game with high replayability. If you're looking for a medium-weight game with a space theme, I would definitely recommend checking it out.