Master of Orion: Ad Astra Live Play

[@somerandomperson8282]

So Dice Tower crew how did you like the game? Do you like it more or less vs other 4x heavy hitters?

[@Lysen2077]

I hope the game has pre-made setups for the galaxy for balanced starting positions as randomness would lead to some really terrible starting positions like the one Sam had in this game.

[@brykhousegames2189]

In the rules players "collectively" build the universe at the start. which determines starting linked Sectors at least. Then pick their homeworld location

[@horus7732]

The players build the board one tile at a time, so there is some strategy involved in the setup. Randomness of what you get is still a factor but that allows for variable game and forces you to adapt your play style

[@LoftOfTheUniverse]

How is this compared to scythe? If I like scythe will I like this?

[@cpt.quadras7379]

I've played Scythe and tried out this game on TTS, this game is a bit more complex compared to scythe. While there are a few mechanics that are a bit similar, fundamentally the two games are very different. It is better to compare this game to Twilight Imperium or one of the other large, complex 4x board games out there. As for whether you will like this or not, it will depend on how complex you are ok with a board game being.

[@LoftOfTheUniverse]

@cpt.quadras7379 how long is a game usually?

[@cpt.quadras7379]

@@LoftOfTheUniverse According to the rulebook and the devs, Master of Orion:Ad Astra game length would normally be 10 min per player per round. So, a standard length game(6 turns) between 2 players would be 2 hours, and so on(assuming no one ends it early by holding Orion for a full turn, holding an opponent's homeworld for a full turn, or building the special win condition tech building and keeping it for a full turn)

[@brykhousegames2189]

@@LoftOfTheUniverse I would estimate 15 minutes per player per round. The length is going to determine how much talking is going on at the table. Every player on EVERY turn is allowed 1 free "trade / diplomat" action. So if you want to regularly discuss trading resources it is going to have a big impact on length.

[@stormquiver]

"first 4 X" why do people forget Civilization came out before Master of Orion?

[@myname-ns1rp]

its not the first 4x but he first game that coined the term because of the media covering the game at the time wrote something like "in Master of Orion you explore, expand,..." and thus the term was born. so its not the first 4x game but the first to be *called* a 4x game.

[@Hasanİzer-n7q]

I think the board is nor prepared correct due to the actual beta rules on Gamefound

[@horus7732]

This has to be the most confusing gameplay session of this boardgame to watch, I know the purpose was to demonstrate the mechanism and flow of the game, but wow, this was almost painfull to watch. Also, for experienced gamer, just adding the starting ressources in your economic engine, how do you expect any balance in the game? Just add an equal amount to all players if you want to accelerate the game.

[@csjoe]

Lost me at the combat.

[@horus7732]

This was also one of my initial worry. I suggest you watch other (proper) gameplay session to have a better understanding of combat. They made it super simple : roll dice and check your result based on your tech. Beneath this simplicity is the underlying fact that it is all about the tech cards you have. Similar to eclipse where the configuration of your ship will dictate their performance. Also instead of modulating your dice roll with effect (like plus or minus), dice can be added to achieve the effect you want.