Space and science fiction – some of the best board games we know fall into that stellar combination! So naturally we created SYNDICATE, which explores a slice of humanity tens of lightyears away from Earth. But we are not here to learn about that amazing game right now; there is a whole website you can click through for that. We are here to tell you about some of the space science fiction games that inspired us here at PDU Games.
#4 Space Alert (2008)
Credit: Czech Games Edition
Space Alert published by Czech Games and designed by Vlaad Chvatil (designer of one of the best party games Code Names) is a cooperative team survival game. Players become crew members of a small spaceship scanning dangerous sectors of the galaxy. Nothing can bring a group of friends together better than a challenging co-op game, and Space Alert certainly does the trick.
In less than 10 minutes this space game packs in the action! We have heard gamers say they feel like they are on the bridge of the Enterprise from one of the greatest science fiction worlds of all time, Star Trek. One of the best game components that make this true is the voice instruction from the “AI Computer.”
One downside is the learning curve. With so many moving parts this and be a difficult for new board gamers to pick up. But many of the best board games out there require stepping up the learning challenge.
(BoardGameGeek average review / rating for Space Alert: 7.5/10)
#3 Eclipse (2011)
Credit: Lautapelit
A sci-fi board game with space exploration, area control and fighting… um yeah we love it. Eclipse is a game of space empires. It places you in control of a vast interstellar civilization, competing for success with its rivals. You will explore new star systems, research technologies, and build spaceships with which to wage war. There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy according to the strengths and weaknesses of your species, while paying attention to the other civilizations' endeavors.
The game narrative forms a strong story arc, which really feels like developing your civilization from humble beginnings into a powerful empire of epic proportions. Eclipse has a huge number of pieces and might look pretty intimidating at first glance; however, the components are gorgeously made and is quite and intuitive game.
We think it is one of the best space sci-fi board games and defines what a great 4X game (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) is.
(BoardGameGeek average review / rating for Space Alert: 7.9/10)
#2 Xia: Legends of a Drift System (2014)
Credit: Far Off Games
This delectable collectible is not for the faint of heart. If you are a hard core gamer and you manage to get your hands on a copy of this space Sci-Fi board game, then you are in for a great ride.
Xia: Legends of a Drift System is a 3 to 5 player sandbox style competitive space board game. Each player starts as a lowly but hopeful captain of a small starship (reminds us of that great show Fire Fly… oh Nathan Fillion). Players fly their space ships about the system, completing a variety of missions, exploring new sectors and battling other ships. In the treacherous void of space, players choose to mine, salvage, or trade valuable cargo. Captains vie with each other for titles, riches, and most importantly Fame.
The amount of freedom and room to play in this fantastic world brings massive replayablity. It is a must have for any board game enthusiast, especially one who likes space Sci-Fi board games.
(BoardGameGeek average review / rating for Xia: Legends of a Drift System: 7.9/10)
#1 SpaceCorp: 2025 - 2300 AD (2018)
Credit: GMT Games
A scifi board game with space exploration, area control and fighting… um yeah we love it. Eclipse is a game of space empires. It places you in control of a vast interstellar civilization, competing for success with its rivals. You will explore new star systems, research technologies, and build spaceships with which to wage war. There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy according to the strengths and weaknesses of your species, while paying attention to the other civilizations' endeavors.
The game narrative forms a strong story arc, which really feels like developing your civilization from humble beginnings into a powerful empire of epic proportions. Eclipse has a huge number of pieces and might look pretty intimidating at first glance; however, the components are gorgeously made and is quite and intuitive game.
We think it is one of the best space Sci-Fi board games and defines what a great 4X game (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) is.
(BoardGameGeek average review / rating for Space Alert: 7.9/10)
If you’re into sci-fi or space-themed board games, be sure to check out SYNDICATE, a new board game (2019) by PDU Games, and be sure to check out the rest of our BLOG.