INTRODUCTION
Exploring the vast expanse of space has never been my thing, but The Search for Planet X by Foxtrot Games and Renegade Game Studios is a very enjoyable deduction game that requires no space knowledge. If you enjoyed Clue as a child, you will more than likely love this game. I thoroughly do. Planet X accommodates 1-4 players and takes about an hour to play. The game scales well. We mostly play it at 2-players, and it also plays well at three and four players.
In The Search for Planet X, you embark on a quest to locate Planet X within our solar system. The best part is that even though you may be the person who finds Planet X, this does not guarantee you to win the game. I was initially hesitant to add this game to my collection because it involves using an app. However, despite our strict 'no phubbing' table rule, trust me, it is worth making a no phones at the table exception for this game.
GAME COMPONENTS
The game includes double-sided player sheets for expert and standard modes. The board is placed in the center with the earth board and sun disc. The earth board is dynamic and rotates, displaying the visible sky, time track, and spots for theories with matching tokens.In addition, the board is divided into four areas and you grab the corresponding sheet based on where you are sitting. Despite complexity, the design is clear. The tokens are cute, and each player marker is a telescope. Not included with the game is the need for each player to download the companion app on their phone, serving as the game instructor for clues and deductions.
The game did not come with an organizer, so we 3D-printed one and laminated the sheets. This has been really helpful for erasing and making sure that we don’t run out of the provided game sheets.
GAME PLAY
The Search for Planet X unfolds in rounds, each representing a new observation period. During setup, players designate their area in the companion app and choose the difficulty level of clues to initiate the game. The app employs clear icons, ensuring simplicity in following along with the gameplay. Players have the option to scan sectors for celestial objects such as gas clouds and comets, conduct research to obtain a logical rule guiding the discovery of Planet X, attempt to pinpoint the location of Planet X, or unveil the contents of one of the 12 or 18 sectors—depending on whether playing in standard or expert mode.
Additionally, players can engage in peer reviews and conferences to collaboratively determine the whereabouts of Planet X. The companion app serves as a resource, providing answers and unveiling crucial clues. Players meticulously record their observations, creating a web of interconnected information. Through the analysis of patterns, players eliminate potential locations for Planet X and discover which sectors are empty, containing asteroids, gas clouds, dwarf planets, and comets. The game concludes when a player confidently announces the location, with verification from the app.
WHAT I LIKED
- Space knowledge not required
- Clear iconography and puzzle-like nature
- Simple to teach with a user-friendly companion app (I thought I’d hate using an app)
- Finding Planet X doesn't guarantee winning
- Player shield provides clear instructions
WHAT MAY BE A DRAWBACK
- The game requires an app to be played
- The game is complex and may lead to analysis paralysis
CONCLUSION
Despite finding space boring, The Search for Planet X is a replayable, easy-to-teach deduction game. Though I had strong reservations about incorporating the app, I was wrong. The app enhances the overall experience.The iconography in the game is super clear and the levels of difficulty allow each player to have a challenging game.
Happy gaming!
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