Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy games blending bluffing, negotiation, and crazy alien powers, this Cosmic Encounter edition is for you! It guarantees laughs and controlled chaos.
Highlights
- Insane alien powers
- Dynamic negotiation and alliances
- High replayability guaranteed
- More accessible rules
Keep in mind
- Can lead to heated arguments
- Language dependent cards
- Luck can heavily influence
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a cosmic journey full of twists and laughs with Cosmic Encounter: 42nd Anniversary Edition! This special edition brings the classic space negotiation and conflict game in a brand-new way, featuring a clearer rulebook and a super stylish comic-book-style quick-start guide. Forget the complexity, because learning to dominate the galaxy has never been easier or more fun. The translucent ships add a touch of class as you spread your colonies across the universe.
What really stands out is the arrival of a new alien species, ready to cause chaos with powers that mess with the minds (and hands!) of other players. But don't worry, old favorites like Mite and Remora are still active, ready to defend their empires.
To make things even more interesting, this edition introduces Cosmic Combo cards, allowing you to create themed scenarios and matchups with insane alien combinations. Want to face the Big Time Clubbers or the Cellar Dwellers? The choice is yours! With so many customization options, each game is a new intergalactic adventure. If you enjoy games where alliances are made and broken in the blink of an eye, tense negotiations, and crazy powers that turn the game upside down, Cosmic Encounter is the right choice. It's the kind of game that guarantees laughter and heated discussions until the very last moment. Prepare to explore space, deceive your friends, and, who knows, conquer it all!
What really stands out is the arrival of a new alien species, ready to cause chaos with powers that mess with the minds (and hands!) of other players. But don't worry, old favorites like Mite and Remora are still active, ready to defend their empires.
To make things even more interesting, this edition introduces Cosmic Combo cards, allowing you to create themed scenarios and matchups with insane alien combinations. Want to face the Big Time Clubbers or the Cellar Dwellers? The choice is yours! With so many customization options, each game is a new intergalactic adventure. If you enjoy games where alliances are made and broken in the blink of an eye, tense negotiations, and crazy powers that turn the game upside down, Cosmic Encounter is the right choice. It's the kind of game that guarantees laughter and heated discussions until the very last moment. Prepare to explore space, deceive your friends, and, who knows, conquer it all!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
OK
4
REC
5
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Fantasy Flight Games, Hobby World, Ігромаг
Designer
Bill Eberle, Bill Norton, Jack Kittredge, Kevin Wilson, Peter Olotka
Artist
Andrew Navaro, Brian Schomburg, Felicia Cano, Henning Ludvigsen, Ryan Barger, Sabe Lewellyn, WiL Springer
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
4,396owners
830wishlist
97want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime?
Cosmic Encounter games can vary quite a bit, but expect something between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and how indecisive they are during negotiations!
How many players can participate?
This game is designed for 3 to 5 players. With more people, the chaos and negotiations become even more interesting!
Is it a complicated game to learn?
This edition includes a comic-book quick-start guide that helps a lot! The basic rules are simple, but complexity arises with the alien powers and player interactions.
Does it require translation?
Yes, the game has a lot of text on the alien and encounter cards, so a translation or knowledge of English is quite important to fully enjoy all the nuances.
Who would you recommend this game to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy games with a lot of interaction, negotiation, a bit of luck, and asymmetric powers that change everything. If you like to laugh and don't mind a bit of 'take that,' you'll love it!
What are the main components?
You'll find translucent spaceship pieces, many cards (alien, encounter, etc.), tokens, and a board to track progress.
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