ISS Vanguard: Deadly Frontier

Awaken Realms, YOKA Games · Board game · 2024
1–4 · best 2 Solo Weight 3.3/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
Buy
8.5 rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're into sci‑fi epics and long campaigns, this expansion is a must‑have.

Highlights
  • Immersive narrative
  • High‑quality components
  • Diverse scenarios
  • Cooperative play
  • Tactical challenge
Keep in mind
  • Full translation needed
  • Long playtime
  • Medium‑to‑high complexity
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
ISS Vanguard: Deadly Frontier is the most comprehensive expansion the series has ever seen, bringing an epic campaign that follows a group of survivors trying to build a new colony on the far edges of the galaxy. With over 700 cards, 12 detailed miniatures, and 12 cardboard ship‑book pages, players dive into scenarios ranging from space battles to negotiations with aliens. The galactic map, featuring more than 30 systems, offers exploration opportunities and discoveries, while the Planetopedia presents over 18 boards detailing unique planets, each with its own resources, hazards, and stories. The Log Book, with 80 pages, tells an engaging narrative that unfolds as the campaign progresses, letting players feel like they’re truly building a future. Players can also use event and technology cards to craft unique strategies, and the miniatures provide an exciting visual representation of battles. Additionally, the expansion introduces new diplomacy rules that allow temporary agreements between factions, adding a layer of political tension to the game. For those who already own the base game, the purchase is almost mandatory, as the expansion unlocks mechanics that don’t appear in any other module. Players from 1 to 4 can experience the scenario in sessions ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the depth of the chosen campaign. Complexity sits between medium and high, requiring attention to card details and interactions between miniatures. If you love sci‑fi, cooperative adventure, and narrative campaigns, ISS Vanguard: Deadly Frontier will keep you glued to the screen, but be prepared to invest time in setup and rule reading, as the expansion is dense and requires a full translation to fully enjoy.
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Game details
Publisher Awaken Realms, YOKA Games
Designer Adrian Krawczyk, Andrzej Betkiewicz
Artist Dominik Mayer, Patryk Jędraszek
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does the game support?
The game supports 1 to 4 players.
What is the average playtime?
Between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the depth of the chosen campaign.
What is the complexity level?
Medium to high, requiring attention to card details and miniature interactions.
What components are included?
Over 700 cards, 12 miniatures, 12 ship‑book pages, a galactic map with 30+ systems, a Planetopedia with 18+ boards, and an 80‑page Log Book.
Is the game cooperative?
Yes, the campaign is designed for players to cooperate in building the colony.
Do I need a translation?
Yes, the expansion contains English text; a full translation eases gameplay.
Is it compatible with the base game?
Yes, it is an official expansion that integrates seamlessly with the base game.