8.3
rating
Ludopedia
5.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Space Race is a space exploration strategy game that, despite its simple components, delivers a dynamic and engaging experience for those who enjoy technological advancement and planetary conquest.
Highlights
- Exciting technological evolution
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Captivating space theme
- Player interaction
Keep in mind
- Components a bit weak
- Strategy can vary
- Rules can be complex
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready to blast off in the space race with Space Race! Released in 1991, this game puts you in charge of a brand-new space agency, competing against other nations during the golden decades of cosmic exploration. Forget super elaborate components; the focus here is on strategic gameplay that's a bit reminiscent of Settlers of Catan, but with a unique space twist. Instead of fixed cities, your metropolises move and evolve! Starting in the Stone Age, you'll mine resources from surrounding hexes to advance your technology, progressing through eras like Iron, Coal, Oil, and even reaching Uranium and Deuterium. Gold is the universal currency to boost your research. As your technology advances, your cities can go into orbit and, who knows, even land on other planets! Technology also gives you that extra edge in city-to-city combat. The game is super dynamic, ending as soon as the last resources are collected, which ensures the race doesn't cool down. Each player manages their own box of colored components, and when agencies meet, resources are combined. Most of the map represents Earth, but prepare to expand to the Moon and Mars! Space Race is a game that rewards adaptation, with a universe of cards to create powerful synergies and combinations. There's no single formula for victory; you need to keep an eye on the ever-changing environment and your opponents' moves to secure the most incredible discoveries and win this race against time and gravity.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
5
OK
6
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Publisher
Space Age Games
Designer
Philip H. Kopitske
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime?
A game of Space Race typically lasts around 90 minutes.
How many players can participate?
The game accommodates 1 to 6 players, being interesting both in solo mode and in larger groups.
Is the game very complex?
With a BGG weight of 1.67, it's considered a moderately complex game, accessible to those with some board game experience.
Are the components good quality?
Sources mention that the components might seem simple or fragile, but they don't significantly detract from the gameplay experience.
Is it a good game for strategy game beginners?
It can be a good starting point for those wanting to venture into strategy games with a space theme, but the moderate complexity might require some attention in the first few plays.
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to develop your space agency, advance in technology, explore space, and achieve the most notable advancements to win the space race.
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