New Frontiers

New Frontiers is a fantastic addition to the Race for the Galaxy family. It's a standalone game that captures the essence of the original while adding its own unique twists and turns. I've been a fan of Race for the Galaxy for years, and I was excited to see how Tom Lehman would translate the card game experience to the board. The result is a game that feels familiar but fresh.

The core mechanics are the same: players build galactic empires by strategically selecting actions, each with a unique bonus for the choosing player. The strategic planning begins during setup, where players choose from a variety of available developments to create their empires. This level of planning is what drew me to Puerto Rico, and it's something I've missed in some of the more recent "Race" games. New Frontiers brings that strategic element back, and it's a welcome addition.

The game also introduces a new element: worlds. These worlds have special powers that can be exploited to gain an edge over your opponents. The exploration aspect of the game is thrilling, and it adds a layer of excitement and uncertainty to the gameplay. The inclusion of planets and their unique abilities, similar to plantations in Puerto Rico, creates a more tangible and engaging experience.

While New Frontiers shares a lot of DNA with its predecessors, it's not simply a re-skin. The game feels like its own distinct entity, with its own strengths and weaknesses. The learning curve, while not as steep as some other "Race" games, is still present. The game uses a lot of icons, which can be daunting for new players. However, the rules are well-written and the iconography is clear and concise. I found it easier to learn than Roll for the Galaxy, and I enjoyed the added depth and complexity.

I've played New Frontiers with a variety of groups, and it's consistently been a hit. It's a great game for experienced board gamers and newcomers alike. The game is fast-paced and engaging, and it offers a lot of replayability. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys strategic engine-building games with a science fiction theme.