The intersection between space lovers and board game lovers often intersects which makes game manufacturers want to make awesome games for us to play. That's ok with us, we love to play them.
We spent hours around the games table playing as many different space-themed games as possible. It was a real chore (it wasn't) and we struggled through the whole experience (we didn't, it was awesome) so that you can have a list of our favorite space-themed board games!
Star Fluxx
A game of constant change
Star Fluxx is played so often in my house that we are currently on our second deck. The game is so much fun we use it to infect non-gamers with our excitement.
Fluxx is a card game with two basic rules; pick up a card and play a card. It should be simple but there are cards you can draw that change the rules, or change the goal, or do both. It can be a very short game depending on the conditions but it is always a lot of fun to play.
Star Fluxx is a little different from standard fluxx in that it draws a lot of the cards from Sci-Fi movies and TV shows as well as general space. It also introduced the concept of Creepers — bad cards that stop you winning — which were so successful the latest edition of the original game adopted them.
I love Star Fluxx. It's cheap, easy to learn, and fun to play. The references on the cards are excellently done as well. From the Expendable Crew member card that has to die first, to the goal card called "That's no Moon" where you have to collect the moon and the space station card, Star Fluxx is a masterclass in how to make a card game.
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Will you help the rebellion or crush it?
Imperial Assault is a miniature tactics game that pits you as either the Rebel Alliance or the Imperial Empire in the Star Wars Universe.
The game itself is something of a story campaign that allows you to move through the playboards and fight the opposing team. The game has one person as the Empire — you get to command Stormtroopers and AT-ST's! — while the other players are a team of Rebels trying to complete a mission. It's not a short game either, with most missions taking upwards of an hour each, but if you are a Star Wars fan then it's well worth spending the time and money to play.
Tiny Epic Galaxies
Teeny box, massive gameplay
Originally a massive Kickstarter success, The Tiny Epic franchise started right here, with perhaps my favorite of the entire series.
Gamelyn Games, and the designer of Galaxies, Scott Almes have managed to cram so much game into such a small area. The box is just two decks of cards long but contains a huge game about galactic intrigue and domination.
Exoplanets
Create or destroy life
Exoplanets was one of those "spur of the moment" buys that infuriate my other half so much. Turns out, it was a really enjoyable game.
You are a divine being creating worlds and deciding what planets get to birth life, and which ones to use as resource planets. Speaking of planets, in this game they can be destroyed in any number of ways making you feel like God as you change the galaxy to fit your whims.
Star Trek Panic!
It's like a videogame made out of paper
The original Castle Panic! is a brilliant game that mixes the fun of mobile tower defense games and the excitement of board games. When you add Star Trek to the mix, things get a little crazy.
The premise of the game is easy; you and your crew must defend the Enterprise from a host of Original Series villains as they hurtle toward the ship bent on destruction. The cool thing is, the baddies do what they do without the need for a person to run them. This means you can always be on a team with your friends, which is awesome.
Star Trek Catan
Two amazing franchises collide
Star Trek Catan is a brilliant amalgamation of two excellent IPs into one great board game. Like the original Catan, you have to collect resources to help you build.
Unlike the original though, you get to do this in spaaace! I really enjoy this version of Catan as it isn't just a straight port; it has new rules that are specific to the ships, making it feel unique and familiar at the same time.
Let's see what's out there
Getting around a table together with friends or family playing board games is one of the best ways to spend a night. If, like me, you adore space in its all of its forms then grabbing a space-themed board game or three helps satisfy that deep need in you.
For my money, Star Fluxx is a must-have at any gaming table. The gameplay is excellent, the puns are on point, and the gameplay time is perfect for quick fun games in between hour-long games.
IF you are looking for hour-long games though, then Exoplanets is a great choice. You get to create entire solar systems as you play as well as destroying planets like Galactus!
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