Suit up, because ISS Vanguard isn't just a game—it's an epic odyssey. You and your crew take command of the first human vessel capable of venturing into deep space. Split into four critical sections—Security, Recon, Science, and Engineering—you must cooperate to survive the unknown while unraveling mysteries encoded within human DNA. The gameplay is split into two distinct phases that shift the scale of the experience.

First, there's the Ship Management phase. Here, the game takes on a strategic and administrative tone. Using a massive binder, you'll decide your destinations, research cutting-edge technologies, recruit crew members (with over 100 unique characters available!), and resolve critical situations. It's all about logistics and ensuring your ship doesn't become space debris before the mission ends. Then comes the Planetary Exploration phase, where things get intense. You'll select and customize a Lander, assemble the perfect team, and descend onto hostile planetary surfaces. In this phase, the focus shifts to tactics: every die roll and card played is crucial to exploring points of interest, fighting off threats, and—most importantly—returning to the Lander before your supplies run dry.

The soul of the game is its narrative, penned by Krzysztof Piskorski (the mind behind Tainted Grail). Forget dry manuals; the story unfolds through mission logs, dynamic dialogues, and branching choices that genuinely alter the campaign's course. Your successes and failures are recorded, making every playthrough a unique story. It's a dense experience with stunning components and a 'hard' sci-fi atmosphere that keeps the tension high. If you love the feeling of being in a space exploration movie where survival depends on tough calls and teamwork, ISS Vanguard is your next destination.