Star Trek: Lower Decks – Buffer Time: The Card Game

If you are a Star Trek fan who has always wondered what the support crew does while the bridge officers are busy saving the galaxy, Buffer Time is for you. Forget about epic space exploration missions for a moment; here, your life is dedicated to mundane tasks like lubricating turbolifts while desperately trying to squeeze in some well-deserved relaxation. The game puts you and your friends in the shoes of the USS Cerritos crew in a cooperative challenge where time is your greatest enemy.

The gameplay revolves around a 'push your luck' mechanic. You need to complete your duty assignments, but the real fun is finding time to slack off in the middle of your busy rotation. The catch? Captain Freeman has no clue how long these tasks actually take, and if you get too greedy trying to goof off or take on too much work, your plan will fall apart. You must collectively decide how far you can push your luck before the bridge crew realizes you are just stalling.

It is a light, fast-paced game perfect for those looking for something simple but with that delicious 'will it work?' tension. With games lasting between 20 to 40 minutes, it is ideal for playing with friends who love the show or for anyone wanting a fun filler for the table. The art and humor perfectly capture the spirit of the Lower Decks series, turning the daily life of a low-ranking crew member into a chaotic and hilarious adventure. Get ready to manage your time, avoid trouble with leadership, and above all, ensure your downtime isn't interrupted by an unexpected galactic emergency. It is cooperative, it is luck-based, and most importantly, it is a blast to play.