We like movies almost as much as we like games. So maybe that's why we keep mixing up this game's name; Quest for the Galaxy. Race to the Quest. Quest for the Galaxy Race. But, whatever the name, it's fun.
It took us a while to decide to buy it, even though we'd heard raves at every game store we visited. The usual reason--it only plays four--kept us from investing until we discovered the expansions that take it to five and six. Sold!
Think of this game as Puerto Rico meets Citadels meets Galaxy Quest. (I had to get it into space somehow). Instead of settling the island of Puerto Rico, you're conquering and colonizing planets. The game is played in phases like Puerto Rico, which brings all the advantages of that game's mechanics: most players are engaged every turn, constant choices means constant strategizing. As in Citadels, most of the play is done with cards, which are placed before you as you build them. The game ends when someone's game tableau (world and development cards) reaches twelve. The expansions add various twists to the basic game.
One caveat. Even though this game is similar to others we've played, the learning curve was mountainous. We had to play it three times before we truly grasped it, probably because of the tiny symbols on the cards. Learning their meanings was like mastering a second language (or 3rd or 4th, depending on which crew member we're talking about.) But stick with it. It's worth it. Just forget about getting the name right.
# Players . . . 2-4
Game time . . . . . . . . 20-30 minutes
Game time . . . . . . . . 20-30 minutes
Set up . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 minutes
Luck . . . . . . . .7 . . . . Strategy
*Interplay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Visual Appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Component Quality . .. . . . . 7
We just played this game the other night using the expansion, with extra cards. I really do like it, but it does require a lot of thinking if you want to strategize.
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