An exciting quest full of strategy.
So, we have another week and therefore another article dedicated to the new record player that is shaping the local market. With Legends of the Castle now available, today we’ll be focusing on strategy that will really screw you over. The cosmos will get nothing but the current hit SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. The following lines will tell you how it is played, who it is for and much more.
- Number of players: 1–4
- Game time: 160 minutes
- Price: 1369 CZK (Game Planet)
- Provided by: Mindok
- Age: 13+
In SETI: The search for extraterrestrial intelligence will make you look big
What if we weren’t alone? This question has accompanied humanity for centuries and has inspired not only scientists, but also game creators. SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence offers a unique gaming experience where you take on the role of the head of a space agency. Your goal is to uncover the secrets of the Universe, send probes and establish contact with intelligent life forms.
The game begins with preparation – each player receives an agency board and basic resources. The game takes place in five rounds, in which players take turns. They have different actions that can be performed. The most important of them are launching a probe, putting it into orbit or landing on a planet. Once the probe “disappears” in one way or another, you are rewarded with data or other valuable bonuses.
The game’s strategic depth lies in deciding where and when to send the probe. Planets give different types of rewards, so it is important to plan well so that your opponents do not overtake you. When the probe reaches the planet’s orbit, send another one from your base, as their number is fixed. In addition, some planets have satellites that require special technology to explore. If you have advanced enough in your research, new opportunities will open up for you.
When the probe arrives in the planet’s field, you will have the option to “convert” it into either a satellite or a lander. However, the planting process requires careful planning and resources, which are not unlimited. Once you land, you will be rewarded with important data that you can then use for analysis and further research. Interesting fact: some planets have their own satellites, the exploration of which requires advanced technology.
Receiving signals is another key action that brings you closer to success. You place signals in sectors of the star map and try to defeat your opponents. As soon as a sector is filled, one of the players receives a bonus for closing it. But the game doesn’t end there: sectors can reopen, meaning more opportunities for all players.
An interesting element is also the data analysis that you perform on your computer. You can use the data obtained during the game to advance your research. This allows you to develop new technologies and improve the capabilities of your probes. You also have cards that give you one-time effects or long-term benefits. Some mission cards are worth points at the end of the game, which can significantly affect the final order. Playing cards is one of those moments that can completely change the dynamics of the game. Some cards allow you to perform actions that would otherwise be impossible or provide long-term benefits. In addition, there are also mission cards that, when completed, will earn you bonus points at the end of the game.
As you play, you gradually cross scoring stages that trigger various events. One of the most exciting situations is the discovery of intelligent life. When this happens, the game takes on a new dimension as its presence affects not only the scoring, but also the available actions. Each round ends with a revenue phase where you gain new resources, determine a starting player, and rotate the solar system, which adds momentum to the game and forces players to constantly change their strategy.
SETI: The search for extraterrestrial intelligence forces you to constantly think about how best to use limited resources and how to outsmart your opponents. Those who can quickly adapt to changing conditions have a greater chance of success. The game offers a high degree of replayability as each game brings new challenges and opportunities.
SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence – a game for real strategists
If you love space and like the idea of finding life beyond Earth, don’t miss this game. SETI combines strategic planning, exploration and discovery into a unique gaming package. Players looking for a challenging experience with a high degree of replayability will find it particularly rewarding.
On the other hand, you’ll have to expect longer game times and relatively complex rules that may not suit everyone. But if you’re not afraid of a challenge and want to dive into the depths of space, SETI will give you an unforgettable experience. This game is definitely worth your attention and could become a gem in your board game collection.
We thank the Czech distributor Mindok for providing us with a copy of SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.
Source :Indian TV
