New Frontiers*

New Frontiers is a standalone strategy game that expands the Race for the Galaxy universe into new realms of empire building and exploration. Players vie to construct the most powerful galactic empire by strategically selecting actions that benefit all, but with a special advantage to the chooser.

Gameplay Overview

• Action Selection Mechanic: Players take turns choosing actions for everyone to perform, with only the chooser gaining a bonus, promoting strategic decisions.
• Variable Setup: Developments used in the game are chosen during setup, allowing for strategic planning and varied gameplay experiences.
• World Colonization: Unlike its predecessor, colonists are required to settle worlds, adding a layer of complexity and depth.
• Resource Management: Players manage goods produced by their worlds, choosing between trading them for credits or consuming them for victory points.

Special Features

• Unique Worlds: Worlds have special powers and are randomly drawn, adding variability and replayability.
• Colonist Mechanic: The need for colonists to settle worlds introduces new strategic considerations.
• Production and Trade: The game incorporates a dynamic economy where players must decide the best use of their goods.
• End Game Conditions: Multiple game-ending conditions keep players on their toes, strategizing to optimize their final scores.

Conclusion

New Frontiers offers a fresh yet familiar experience to fans of the Race for the Galaxy series, introducing new mechanics like colonists and a fixed set of developments to plan around. Its blend of strategy, resource management, and empire building, coupled with the variability of world powers and developments, ensures that each game is a unique challenge. This game is a must-try for those who enjoy deep strategic decision-making and the rich thematic backdrop of galactic expansion.