Beyond the Sun

BtS is not the earth-shattering euro game some reviewers have claimed it is, but it is dang fun nonetheless. Abstracted space exploration and combat play second fiddle to the main event: an unfolding tech tree you will have to adapt to. This is, in my opinion, the correct priority. I am looking forward to trying out the expansion.

It’s a good thinky game, and while most can look past the dull looks, I cannot. It feels a bit overpriced for what you get. Reviews say there’s replayability but I’m skeptical. Despite all this, I’d still give it 4 stars and recommend it if it comes up on sale.

We REALLY have come to love this game over many plays. It's so much fun to uncover the different tech in a variety of ways. And having the separate space exploration board adds a fun dynamic that gives you more ways to score points. Everyone in the family loves this game. If you like tech tree goodness in a mid-weight game complexity-wise then this is the one for you.

Beyond the Sun is an interesting game involving a technology tree (branching paths of discovering technology). The rules are easy to learn with in depth gameplay. Highly recommended for more serious gamers!

Beyond the sun is an interesting almost abstract civilization style game. It has a lot of the same trappings as a standard 4X game but with a streamlined euro approach. I would highly recommend if you like Space 4X civ games, but want it condensed into a two to three hour time frame. A couple of critiques: 1) components are awful. Wooden pieces are all different thickness so absolutely zero uniformity. Markings on wooden pieces are off centered. Player boards are very thin card stock. However, none of it kept it from being playable. Just realize you’re paying a hefty price but it’s certainly not for the components. 2) the game is a table hog. The main board with all of the tech tree cards need to be central for everyone to see. But theres a lot of text so it can be hard for some to read what’s on it, so be prepared for people constantly asking throughout the game, what does that card do again? It’s the same problem with the secondary “much smaller” solar system board as well. It’s really important to know the information on these system cards, but impossible for the entire table to see them and know what the text says on them. We had to have our friend take a picture of the board every time a new solar system card came out so they could plan accordingly. Overall, some weird design choices and low component quality hinder this game from being absolutely a must have game. But the stellar game play still warrant a play if you’re a fan of Space 4X games!

This is a nice tech tree game that also have worker placement. It is a 3x game. While there is no outright combat you do vie for control of systems and colonization of them. Multiple players can be on a system at the same time with the majority holder having control. When 1 player has control and ship power equal to or greater than the colony number they can colonize the system and become the exclusive owner, deriving any benefits therein. All other players ship get pushed to deep space. Looking forward to playing again soon!

This game is one giant tech tree. That's what I had heard from everyone about it and it gloriously delivered on that goal. I thought it was an appropriate weight and complexity for a medium weight game this is so strongly focused on its main mechanic. We've only played it twice, so I'm not willing to rate it a 5 because replayability is such a strong aspect for me, but if in a year my wife and I have played this one 20 more times and still feel like there's new stuff to discover, I'll come back and give it that 5th star.

Worker placement on research tracks that open up new worker locations and bonuses, along with a sideboard of moving ships around the galaxy to claim new locations to open up more worker options and endgame bonuses. Flows well, doesn't overstay its welcome, and is relatively easy to understand while having a lot going on to make each game different.

After hearing/watching reviews that recommended this game I would have to agree. This game is a fun, simple to play, and difficult/deep to master. There is a lot of replay-ability as well as the cards and things change from game to game. It's a single worker placement per round and resource production with multiple paths for getting points based on a technology tree and space colonization.

Beyond the Sun is an action selection game where you can increase the options as well as the potency of your action choices by helping to unlock a shared tech tree. Everyone can learn all the techs, but the first person to do so gains a small bonus. You're also attempting to colonize planets with dice that are utilized for a variety of functions. Use your actions wisely and strategically or you can spend your game doing a lot of nothing. Careful plans and adaptations will carry you to victory!