Eminent Domain

Tasty Minstrel Games, Baldar, Edge Entertainment · Board game · 2011
2–4 · best 3 45 min Weight 2.5/5
7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy civilization-building games with a deck-building twist and space exploration, Eminent Domain might be your next galactic obsession!

Highlights
  • Engaging deck-building
  • Captivating space theme
  • Strategy with 'follow' mechanic
  • Unique civilization experience
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Reliance on role cards
  • Interaction can be indirect
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to expand your galactic civilization in Eminent Domain! In this space strategy game, you'll explore the cosmos, colonizing planets or taking them by force. The goal is to build the most powerful civilization, and to do that, you'll manage a deck of 'Role' cards that dictate your empire's abilities. At the start, everyone has a basic deck, but each turn, choosing a role not only executes an action but also allows you to improve that role by adding more of its cards to your deck. Think about it: the more you research, the better you get at researching! Your opponents can also benefit from your choice, following your move with a simplified version. This 'follow' mechanic makes each turn interesting, as you need to consider not only your own move but also how it might benefit (or not) others. Additionally, you'll interact with a market to acquire new technologies and planets, and manage your hand of cards to optimize your actions. With mechanics like deck building, hand management, and variable phase order, Eminent Domain offers a space civilization experience that rewards planning and adaptation. It's a game that grows with you as your deck becomes more powerful and your strategies more refined. Prepare for a space race where every decision counts!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

6 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Multi-Use Cards Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Game: Eminent Domain Mechanism: Pure Deckbuilding Mechanism: Tableau Building Organizations: Gamesmiths Series: TMG Originals
Publisher Tasty Minstrel Games, Baldar, Edge Entertainment, Hobby World, Pegasus Spiele
Designer Seth Jaffee
Artist Christine Conrad, Eric J. Carter, Gavan Brown, Hans-Georg Schneider, James Wolf Strehle, Jeremy Deveraturda, Patrick McEvoy, Ryan Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Eminent Domain?
A game of Eminent Domain typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
Is Eminent Domain a complex game? Who is it suitable for?
The game has moderate complexity (2.5/5 weight on BGG). It's ideal for players familiar with modern board games who enjoy strategy with deck-building and science fiction themes.
How many players can participate?
Eminent Domain is designed for 2 to 4 players.
Do I need anything extra to play, like an app or spreadsheet?
Yes, the game has a moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have a translated reference sheet or guide for the role cards to facilitate understanding during play.
What makes deck-building in Eminent Domain different?
Instead of just buying cards, you choose 'Roles' that perform actions, and by doing so, you add more cards of that Role to your deck, making it more powerful and focused.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
The main interaction comes from the 'Follow' mechanic, where opponents can use a weaker version of your action. There's also competition for planets and resources in the market.

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