Last Light

Last Light: A Universe of Potential, With a Few Flaring Flaws

I'm a big fan of 4x games, and the premise of *Last Light* immediately caught my eye. The idea of racing against the heat death of the universe, gathering light to survive as asymmetrical alien factions, sounded incredibly compelling. The 3D planets and rotating board promised a visually engaging experience, and the simultaneous action mechanic sounded exciting. I was eager to dive in.

And, to be honest, the core gameplay is solid. The action card system creates interesting choices, the simultaneous action keeps things moving, and the race to the center of the board adds a satisfying sense of urgency. The factions feel distinct, and the technology upgrades provide ample opportunity for strategic planning.

However, my enjoyment was significantly hampered by the game's production quality. I was truly disappointed to discover that the game features cardboard tokens instead of miniatures, especially considering the price point. This felt like a missed opportunity, particularly as the game boasts a visually striking theme.

Beyond that, I also encountered concerns about consistency in the deluxe edition. While some reviewers received the game with miniatures, mine arrived without them, despite being labeled as the deluxe version. This left me feeling frustrated, as I was expecting the full experience.

The poor production quality can lead to frustrating setup and even components falling apart during play. It's a shame, as *Last Light* has the potential to be a truly engaging and unique experience. If you're on the fence, I would suggest waiting for a sale or holding out for a potential re-release with improved components.