—
rating
Ludopedia
6.8
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a good space thriller with betrayal and deep strategy, 'The Shadow Planet' is a fantastic choice. It's a game that makes you think and suspect everyone!
Highlights
- Brilliant hidden identities
- Innovative deck-building
- Immersive sci-fi horror theme
- High replayability
- Quality components
Keep in mind
- Can be tense for some
- Initial learning curve
- Strong direct interaction
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a tense and mystery-filled journey in 'The Shadow Planet: The Board Game'! Imagine yourself on a space rescue team, landing on a desolate planet to uncover the disappearance of a scientific vessel. Time is short – just one day to figure out what happened, but you soon realize that both the planet and the few survivors harbor terrifying secrets that could jeopardize humanity. Based on a visually stunning Italian graphic novel by Blasteroid Brothers, and with the touch of 'Letters from Whitechapel' creators Giacomo and Gianluca Santopietro, this game is a sci-fi horror gem. It takes the idea of hidden identities and blends it in a super innovative way with deck-building, ensuring that each game is a unique experience full of twists. You'll draw a secret goal and use six different characters to achieve it. The key is to deceive your opponents and control the game's pace by cunningly managing your decks. Move through the planet's various locations to grab powerful cards or use special abilities, but be aware: your opponents can also benefit from the very same deck you're trying to manipulate. Table interaction is key: seek allies, try to identify the alien threat before it becomes uncontrollable... unless you are the creature trying to escape the planet! Save humanity... or save yourself. The choice is yours, and the tension is guaranteed!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
OK
4
REC
5
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Galakta, Sir Chester Cobblepot
Designer
Giacomo Santopietro, Gianluca Santopietro
Artist
Alan D'Amico, Demis Savini
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
527owners
218wishlist
18want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for The Shadow Planet?
A game of The Shadow Planet typically lasts between 90 and 90 minutes, making it ideal for a more focused and immersive gaming session.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 3 to 5 players, which is an optimal number for the hidden roles mechanic and the semi-cooperative tension to fully develop.
Is The Shadow Planet a complex game for beginners?
With a BGG weight of 3/5, it's considered medium complexity. It's not for absolute beginners, but players with some board game experience will pick up the rules without too much difficulty. The combination of deck-building and hidden roles requires a bit of dedication to master.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Yes, interaction is very high! With hidden roles and a semi-cooperative element, you'll constantly be negotiating, bluffing, and trying to figure out others' intentions. It's a game that shines on the table with communication between participants.
What are the main components of the game?
Expect a board with point-to-point movement, many cards for the deck-building system, and miniatures representing the characters and the alien threat, adding an incredible visual touch to the experience.
Who is The Shadow Planet recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of science fiction and horror games, especially those who appreciate hidden roles mechanics, deck-building with a twist, and games where betrayal and deduction are central elements. If you like 'Letters from Whitechapel' and want something with a space theme, you'll love it!
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme