Sunday, April 21, 2024

#49: Core Worlds (Mark's Top 100 2024)


Core Worlds
    BoardGameGeek
    • rank: 1,018
    • rating: 7.2
    • published: 2011
    • designer: Andrew Parks
    Print Status
    • in print?
    Why It's On The List
    • Andrew Parks created a space empire-building deck-builder - and combined it with a tableau system for deploying units that makes this game both deeply strategic and a challenging puzzle. And then he created three(!) incredible expansions that make the game even better!
    Tips &Tricks:
    • I think the original Core Worlds game is a solid 7 - but when you add the first expansion (Galactic Orders), it's jumps to an 8 (or maybe even a 9). And the second expansion (Revolution) just locks that high rating into place!
    • The game has enough components for 5 players... but I prefer it with 2-3, as the pace of the game is quicker.
    • Building combos is important - as is managing expectations. You will not be able to do everything you want, so you will need to prioritize your energy and actions near the end of the game to bring in victory points.
    Extras
    • The VERY recently released Nemesis expansion is an excellent solo mode for the game.
    • I wrote a big review of the two expansions for the Opinionated Gamers website.
    • I'd also be remiss if I didn't recommend the newest game in the Core Worlds family, Core Worlds: Empires... thematically set in the same universe - but using a worker placement mechanic as the victors work to solidify their holdings. (Note: I was a playtester for both Empires and the Nemesis expansion.) There is actually rules to play a campaign consisting of a game of Core Worlds which affects your starting position in Core Worlds: Empires!
    • This is the first of two games designed by Andrew Parks on my top 100 countdown.

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