‘Andromeda’s Edge’: There’s A New Massively Complex Space Opera Game in Town
You thought Twilight Imperium was the biggest and baddest space opera board game? It’s a close battle with the new contender, Andromeda’s Edge.
It’s no Campaign For North Africa, but Andromeda’s Edge is making gravitational waves on the board game scene for the sheer depth of complexity it is bringing to the table. But while it may seem daunting at first, it ultimately isn’t that complicated. Each turn is basically just place a ship on a planet and do some stuff, or take your ships back and do other stuff.
The complexity comes from the huge amount of options and moving parts that come along with each decision. So let’s jump in and see what this game is all about.
Andromeda’s Edge Overview
Andromeda’s Edge is a competitive resource management and worker placement game by the same people who brought you Flamecraft. The goal of all players is to earn the most victory points. Points are earned in a variety of ways, but predominantly though buying modules with your resources that you gather form planets and moons.
Each player begins with several ships to launch from their base. Ships are sent to one of many planets when they are launched. But on initial launch, options are limited, until better ships are unlocked later on in the game.
When launching to a system, the player can harvest from a moon on that planet or harvest resources from that planet. It’s important to harvest a variety of resources because players will need them in order to upgrade their base.
Another options players have while launching ships is to launch to a special system to buy modules. Science and Industry modules will provide upgrades to a player’s base, but require different resources to purchase.
Buying modules also grants the player a higher ranking on the Science or Industry tracks. This can also provide are whole slew of different bonuses and resources.
Quick and Simple Combat
But while players in Andromeda’s Edge can (and will) be battling each other, they may also have to contend with Raiders. Raiders will roam around the board attacking anything and everything in their way.
Combat uses a fairly straightforward dice rolling mechanic in order to determine victory. When battle begins players will have the option for any nearby ships to swarm into the battle as well. Any ships in the battle will add dice to the dice pool, as well as any nearby friendly structures or spent energy.
All dice are rolled simultaneously and they are paired off with highest rolls from each side being paired off. The first player to have the highest valued die that can’t be paired with a defending die is the winner of the battle. It’s a super fast and efficient method of doing combat.
A Plethora of Strategic Decisions
Ultimately, Andromeda’s Edge is the sort of game where each decision isn’t difficult to understand. The strategy comes from understanding the ripple effects of those decisions. Knowing how each move will affect your overall strategy is key to victory. Plus, with very little randomness it’s a highly strategic game overall.
If you’re looking for that new game that’s really going to flex those mental muscles, you might love Andromeda’s Edge.
