6.7
rating
Ludopedia
6.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you're looking for a fast-paced, back-and-forth duel packed with crazy alien powers and direct interaction, Cosmic Encounter Duel is the perfect pick for your favorite gaming partner!
Highlights
- Intense and fast duel
- Unique alien powers
- Lots of interaction and bluffing
- High replayability guaranteed
Keep in mind
- High language dependency
- Can be too chaotic
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for some cosmic chaos! In Cosmic Encounter Duel, two alien species are vying for a spot in an exclusive star club, but there's only room for one. The catch? The application form only came in one copy, so it's a battle royale to see who gets the coveted title. Each player takes the lead of one of these wacky species, each boasting unique, game-bending abilities. The goal is straightforward: be the first to control five planets. To achieve this, you'll deploy your 20 spaceships across the cosmos, using them for defense, offense, or tactical retreats. You maintain control of a planet as long as you have a ship there, even if your opponent also has ships present. Gameplay revolves around Destiny cards, which trigger Discoveries (leading to planet battles), Events (cosmic challenges), or Refreshes (allowing you to regroup and recover ships). Each round, you and your 'frenemy' secretly decide how many ships to commit to a battle and which card to play from your hand, alongside a secret tactic. Then, it's all or nothing, with ships clashing until one side emerges victorious. The game's dynamic shifts dramatically based on the unique powers of the species involved and how they interact. It's a fast-paced duel packed with twists and turns, ideal for those who enjoy strategy with a dash of chaos and unpredictability.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Fantasy Flight Games, Delta Vision Publishing
Designer
Bill Eberle, Frank Brooks, Greg Olotka, Peter Olotka
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Reynaud, Régis Torres, Sebastian Koziner
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can participate in Cosmic Encounter Duel?
This game is tailor-made for 2 players, perfect for a strategic two-player showdown.
How long does a game typically last?
Games are quite quick, usually lasting around 30 minutes.
Is the game difficult to learn or does it require prior knowledge?
The complexity is moderate (weight 2.38/5). The basic rules are accessible, but mastery comes from understanding the synergies between the alien powers.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find Destiny cards (Discovery, Event, Refresh), Tactic cards, spaceship tokens, and planet control markers, along with the board.
Is this game good for someone new to board games?
It can be a good entry point if you're already familiar with card games and enjoy sci-fi themes. The language dependency might be a small initial hurdle.
What's the main difference between this and the original Cosmic Encounter?
Duel is a version exclusively focused on two players, with rules adapted for a direct and faster confrontation, while retaining the essence of chaotic alien powers.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game has extensive language dependency. It's highly recommended to have a translation of the cards or have players fluent in English to fully enjoy the experience.
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