Tabletop Spotlight: Via Nebula
The Tabletop Spotlight is on Via Nebula – Explore, Build & Win!
Hello again BoLS Readers and intrepid explorers! Do you enjoy games of skill that require you to wisely manage resources, explore undiscovered locations and out smart your opponents? Well our Friends at Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy have a game you might want to check out: Via Nebula from Space Cowboys & Asmodee!
In this game from 2-4 players, each person plays as explorer/adventurer for the city. The valley is emerging from a sinister fog and it’s up to you to go out and find resources to rebuild your once great civilization. The game is an interesting mix of worker placement, resource management and logistical planning. In one of the unique mechanics to the game you can send out workers to uncover resources in the valley. Once discovered however, anyone can use those resources! There is a catch – the builders don’t want to lose those resources so players must have cleared a path in the fog from the location of those resources to the build site.
On top of constructing different buildings, each player has 2 secret contracts they are attempting to complete as well as neutral contracts that everyone has access to. The point of the game is to end up with more points at the end of the game – and those contracts can be worth quite a few points!
However, the game ends when one player constructs all 5 of their buildings – all other players only have 1 more turn to complete whatever they were trying to do. If you’re in the lead, it might be worth it to divert your resources into finishing those buildings and if you’re running behind, it might be worth it to grab those contracts and make a play for VPs at the end…
The game has some other really great mechanics and it is definitely one with a lot of replay value. It’s perfect for families with kids or even gaming groups that are just looking for a new challenge. If you’re a fan of games like Lords of Waterdeep, Carcassonne or Settlers of Catan you should give this one a go for sure. The art is fantastic and the components are all very high quality. The Board is also double sided depending on how much of a challenge you’re looking for. But don’t take my word for it – go check out the rules for yourself and then hit-up your local gaming store to see it for yourself!
Via Nebula
Nebula valley has just emerged from an era of darkness and the people need your help to reclaim their homeland and rebuild their lives. Explore the misty meadows, unearth precious resources, and build towns and transportation atop the ruins of what the valley used to hold. Restore peace and prosperity to the towns of Nebula, and receive glory, prestige, and riches in return. The best of you will receive the gratitude of the region’s people forever and a statue in their town square to show their deepest appreciation.
The Fog is rolling back and it’s time to stake your claim!
