Black Angel

Pearl Games, asmodee, CrowD Games · Board game · 2019
1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–120 min Weight 3.9/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Perfect for those who love dense sci-fi and enjoy managing risks with dice. A strategic challenge with an immersive theme.

Highlights
  • Very engaging space theme
  • Smart dice mechanics
  • Robust and challenging solo mode
  • Dynamic map that shifts the game
Keep in mind
  • Slightly steep learning curve
  • Moderate reliance on dice luck
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine Earth has become a total disaster due to human irresponsibility. With no other choice, nations put aside their differences to build the largest spacecraft in history: the Black Angel. The goal? Transport humanity's genetic heritage to a new home on a journey lasting millennia. There's just one catch: the crew consists entirely of robots. Since no nation trusted another's AI, the solution was a co-management system where several AIs compete for influence over the ship. That's where you come in.

In the game, you take control of one of these AIs. Your mission is to pilot the Black Angel, interact with alien species, and fight off dangerous invaders known as Ravagers. To achieve this, you'll manage cards and roll dice to determine your actions. The game is tense and strategic, requiring you to balance ship maintenance with the pursuit of Validation Process points (VP). Victory isn't just about survival, but about proving that your AI is the most capable of overseeing humanity's new beginning.

The game ends when the ship finally reaches the planet Spes or when the Ravager deck runs out. After one final round, the player with the most validation points takes full control and decides the fate of the human species. Featuring dice-based worker placement and a dynamically changing map, Black Angel offers a dense science fiction experience where every decision can be the difference between salvation and oblivion in the vacuum of space.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

12 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Theme: Robots
Publisher Pearl Games, asmodee, CrowD Games, Galápagos Jogos, Hobby Japan, Maldito Games, Rebel Sp. z o.o., sternenschimmermeer
Designer Alain Orban, Sébastien Dujardin, Xavier Georges
Artist Alain Orban, Ian O'Toole, Sébastien Dujardin, Xavier Georges

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is the game too complex?
Yes, it has a medium-high weight (nearly 4 on BGG), so it's not for beginners. It requires careful attention to rules and planning.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game has dedicated solo rules, making it a great option for those who enjoy solitary challenges.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and the group's experience.
Is the game too dependent on luck?
There is dice rolling, but hand management and strategic placement help mitigate luck. It's more about managing probabilities than just 'getting lucky'.
Who would you recommend this game to?
To those who enjoy 'euro' strategy games with a strong sci-fi theme and like feeling the pressure of managing crises.

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