New Frontiers

Hey space cadets, check out New Frontiers! It's a standalone game that draws inspiration from the beloved Race for the Galaxy, but with its own unique flavor for those who love building galactic empires. The core idea is straightforward: on your turn, you select an action that everyone can perform, but only you get the bonus. Got it? This creates a super interesting action selection dynamic, where you have to think not only about what you want but also about what others might benefit from (or not!).

The developments (think of them as technologies and space structures) are determined at the start, giving you a heads-up to plan your strategy. There's a fixed group of eight that are always in play, and others are randomly drawn, making each game feel distinct. And the worlds? Oh, the worlds! They come out of a bag during the Explore phase, and unlike in Race, here you need colonists to settle them, in addition to either payments or conquest. Some worlds give you a little gift (goods) right away, while others produce when you use the Produce action. These goods can be traded for credits or consumed for victory points. It's a race to see who builds the most victorious empire, with points coming from settled worlds, developments, and consumed goods. The game ends when certain conditions are met, and the player with the most points wins!

It's a game that makes you think, with plenty of indirect interaction and a sense of galactic progression. If you enjoy strategy games with a space theme and clever mechanics, New Frontiers might just become your new favorite.