Sovereign Skies

The rules and flow of Sovereign Skies are straightforward and easy to grok. Once you see how all of the different mechanisms work together, you start to understand how to maximize what you can do on every turn to gain influence and accomplish tasks. There is a lot to consider as you move around the planets and put together the best combo of actions.

This feels like Monopoly with a lot of the random luck replaced with strategy. Each player's ship moves in a circle around the board, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. On your turn, you can move a single step in the same direction you went the last turn for free, or you can spend energy, the currency of the game, to change direction or move more spaces. Each of the six spaces is a planet offering a unique action and card. The actions range from earning energy to converting the ships you place in orbit of the planets into bases. The cards can be used to pledge to the planets, which earns you points, or recruit diplomats, which gives you points and one-time special actions. Overall, this is an interesting strategy game and well worth checking out.

Tensions run high in this race to get the most Influence points. The rondel and being able to spin around and go the other way feels thematic and fresh. The bits are so nice, btw. Loving this game. I want more expansions.

Tensions run high in this race to get the most Influence points. The rondel and being able to spin around and go the other way feels thematic and fresh. The bits are so nice, btw. Loving this game. I want more expansions.

I really want to like this game but there's really little motivation to move beyond the area control buildup and trigger the end game conditions. Even though this is a short game, I found myself needing to shift from the core strategy of accumulating points to ending the game because I was bored. (looses a point for game play) Also, it should be noted that the retail version includes chits to use with expansions not currently offered in retail (this game was kickstarted) which left a sour taste in our mouths. (hence the below average on value)

I really want to like this game but there's really little motivation to move beyond the area control buildup and trigger the end game conditions. Even though this is a short game, I found myself needing to shift from the core strategy of accumulating points to ending the game because I was bored. (looses a point for game play) Also, it should be noted that the retail version includes chits to use with expansions not currently offered in retail (this game was kickstarted) which left a sour taste in our mouths. (hence the below average on value)

Excellent mid-light euro. Smooth gameplay. Fun anf fast. Beautiful art and components.

Excellent mid-light euro. Smooth gameplay. Fun anf fast. Beautiful art and components.