TDG: Cody's Top Ten Sci-Fi Games (May 2023)

Join Cody as he looks at his top ten Sci-Fi Games as May 2023.
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Cody Carlson, PhD: / @codycarlsonph.d.5591
Facebook: / thediscriminatinggamer
Twitter: / codyk76
Galaxy of Games: galaxyof.games/
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[@gordonsmoak]

I must agree with your number 1. Every time I see an epic sci-fi game my first thought is "I gotta get that"; my second thought is "why? I'd rather play TI4". I'm enjoying your academic channel, btw. Just started the WW2 series.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@gigipeloso-dy7mp]

the new n1 sci-fi game today is Fractal beyond the void. No competition.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I am unfamiliar.

[@gigipeloso-dy7mp]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer try it! 😙

[@OtterOwnage]

Just tabled New Angeles this past weekend and it ran great. Such unique gameplay. At first I was dismayed it didn't get any additional support, but an expansion would probably just add bloat.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yeah. It's pretty streamlined as it is.

[@robertthurman9866]

I played tournament Netrunner for a while. Wonderful experience. You play 2 games, one each of runner and corporation. There is a new starter set available, from Null Signal Games.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks.

[@thegamesninja3119]

In a game a Clue, it is ALWAYS Cody on KZbin with a dad joke. 🥷

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@danielsgustum2345]

Im edging eclipse 2nd edition in front of Ti4 just of the time consumption and because it's better on lower player counts. It's so hard to get more than 3 ppl together for many hours :( War Room i wish I could game every weekend f.ex 😊 Can't wait to start my 4x space empires playthrough though 🙏🏻

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Space Empires 4x is great! Enjoy!

[@vince5546]

Oh, Cody. My sincere sympathies. And the perfect delivery for that tale. Nice. Good thing Leonard Hofstadter had no twin ! Can you imagine? Wow.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

First rate!

[@robertthurman9866]

Great video. A lot of interesting games and mechanics. I have no way to play TI4 but I'm considering buying it and trying it two handed just to learn it in case a chance ever comes up. Hopefully conventions will return on a regular basis.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Best of luck to you. It's a great game.

[@gordonsmoak]

My first "play" of TI4 was solo (I played all six factions just to understand how it played)

[@thgenral]

Just want to say thanks for the reviews. I don’t have the luxury of having as many gamers available as you seem too. I also have some gamers which are limited in what they will play where I love space based games and good ole WWII and WWI games. The games may help me steer them into trying something I really like!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Hopefully you get to play the games you want.

[@stuartshannon8561]

Finally got eclipse 2nd edition to the table and I can’t wait to play it again. I’ve played a lot of TI4 (15 games) but Eclipse is so much shorter. Not saying it’s better but wow! Great list much love and appreciation from Thailand. Let’s go Star Realms!!!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. I think TI4 and Eclipse really two very different games, despite the superficial similarities. They scratch different itches for me, but both fantastic games!

[@stuartshannon8561]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer both are fantastic games, for sure. I really like the different ships in Eclipse, even though it’s superficial. LoL.

[@ericengstrom2138]

I LOVE Android Netrunner! I used to play the original Netrunner back in the day and always thought it was one of the best CCGs ever made. FFG really enhanced an already winning system.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great game.

[@meenki347]

Dr. Cody, That was really good TV and made my eyes misty. You're a human being. And you have had your own hardships in life. Sure, you're fun and games on TV. That just proves you're part of the oppressive Patriarchy and you live on easy street. Oy Vey. I feel you brother. You're a light in board gaming, Doc.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Now go and spread the word…

[@IosifStalin2]

Talon be a Masterpiece…..even the rulebook is outstanding

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I love it.

[@franck777]

Great list! 2 games missing: Shards of Eternity and Race for the Galaxy.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. While I liked Race for the Galaxy, it’s probably not even in my top twenty. I’ve never played Shards of Eternity.

[@wmarclocher]

Talon seems to remind me of Star Fleet Battles (Task Force Games)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I never played SFB, but I’ve heard the comparison before.

[@douglaspearson4853]

OP the Adrenaline rules made the game for me. I also like it. TI4 never played because I have all the TI3 stuff. I figure it not worth it to go TI4. Some of the other games I like Core Worlds. I know these IP and all FFG games Star Wars the LCG, Horus Heresy, Forbidden Stars and Warhammer 40K: Conquest LCG (really love this one), Legendary: Encounters Alien, Firefly. And Earth Reborn and Sky Galleons of Mars.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks.

[@tomlajeunesse8622]

You should try core space, and core space first born, my favorite sci fi game personally

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Yeah, I've heard good things. Is it still in print?

[@dhmcarver]

Great list. It liked your call to make this list without IPs. I was interested that the list is older games, no cult of the new! -- though your honorable mentions had a slew of newer games. I thought ISS Vanguard might sneak into the top 10 given your review of it. I'll be interested to see when you next do this list in 2029 or so whether any of the honorable mentions here displace any of these 10 (though I am sure TI4 isn't going anywhere!).

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

One never knows what the future will hold. Always eager to see what they come up with next. Thanks!!!

[@wolfmathes5684]

Great list. Loving the abundance of less known games. What's your opinion on Cosmic Encounter?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I thought it was okay, not great. I don’t really understand the love for it.

[@Lordjunon]

I think you would like Core Worlds, it is an excellent sci fi deck building game. (Only with the galactic orders expansion) But it is a very good sci fi game.

[@Lordjunon]

(The second expansion revolutions isn't bad, but its not necessary in comparison to Galactic orders)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've heard good things about it. Thanks.

[@thegameroom5403]

Great video ! You should definitely give a try to "Exodus : proxima centauri" and "starcraft the board game" (same designers of twilight imperium)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I've got Exodus on my shelf of shame. Had it for years, never got it to the table.

[@thegameroom5403]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer in my opinion , in term of gameplay it is in a just midway between eclipse and Twilight imperium but with the use of "the weapons of mass destruction" it makes it more competitive and violent than both games and it makes more sense on the ground competions even than TI4. however as i heard there are some expantions whitch emproves the game a lot. that said, I still share your opinion about about TI4, there is no better game :)

[@KSweeney36]

I had that game and one hit the table once. 😢

[@ishotmyboss]

Monday is bongo day.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

First rate!

[@Jux925]

In my top10 would be Merchants of Venus

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Still have never played it.

[@Jux925]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer that's a special game. Feels old, in a good way. From simpler times.

[@beaglegod1]

This gets a like just for star realms on the 🚽!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha! Thanks!

[@kzlekatarn]

did you consider Galaxy Defenders at all or is it that bad? Because I quite enjoy it. Thanks for the new inspirations for all the other games in your videos by the way!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I haven’t played Galaxy Defenders. Fun? Thanks a ton.

[@iMann_iFail]

I’ve played Eclipse V1, really good game, I’m also looking to add the second version to my forever growing list haha I’ve just purchased Space Base after playing at a local game’s library, great family game. TI4 is a fantastic game, I played my first game a couple of months ago.. 9.5 hr play through but it went by quickly.. highly recommend. I want to play Vanguard.. Could you review some of the smaller sci-fi games?.. like Lift Off, Ganymede, Moon, Solar Sphere?.. cheers

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Right now I have no plans to review those titles, but never say never.

[@iMann_iFail]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer that’s cool fella, just thought I’d ask, as I’ve only just come across your channel and your reviews are pretty decent.

[@mikejonesnoreally]

So do you condsider the Horus Heresy and Forbidden Stars to be "IP" games even though the "IP" is a *game?* xD Great list though, i loved how New Angeles AND NetRunner both made it! i didn't really expect Galaxy Defenders because i don't think you've played it. i was suprised to NOT see Neuroshima Hex 2.0 however. :3

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

So, I wrestled with Warhammer, because it is based on a game, but its a multi-media franchise as well. Ultimately, I decided against it. If I hadn't Forbidden Stars would have been on the list or at least rated an honorable mention.

[@DarthP00P00]

Oh man that first joke had me rolling

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

That's what I do.

[@Golgari213]

Nice video!! What factions are your favorites in Twilight Imperium???

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

The Barony of Letnev and Sol.

[@j3errym]

Agree and have half plus of your top 10. Preferred Exodus to Eclipse and Star Wars: Rebellion to TI 4(which generally comes down to the two players who teamed up). Would also include Anachrony, Forbidden Stars (You cannot exclude non digital game IPs otherwise you would have to exclude all games and couldn't include Talon as it was created from the SE universe) , The Captain is Dead, SpaceCorp: Ventures. Surprised not included Xia: Legends of a Drift System - great best, IMO, with Embers of a Forsaken Star.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I didn't include Warhammer because it is part of a multi-media IP by this point. I really liked Xia, but never played with expansion and haven't played in years.

[@j3errym]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Iunderstand that but for Warhammer that argument is flawed. The game is the IP the other formats are using it, it is the reverse of say Gears of War where the video game is the IP or Star Wars ...

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@j3errym Regardless of how it started, it is now a multi-media IP.

[@TotallyNotElPresidente]

I click on the video and think: Ok Star Wars Rebellion in the top 3. "I won't be including IP games on this list". Ah finally, some originality. But also TI4 is #1; guess we can't be THAT adventurous after all haha.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

TI4 is the greatest adventure of all!

[@IosifStalin2]

Thou shouldst give Exodus Proxima Centauri a shot

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

On my shelf. Just need to get it to the table.

[@1Dreamking]

I have had TI 3:rd ed still wrapped up for 10-15 years and finaly unwrapped it this year so I am guessing I am feeling it will get to the table this or next year. But would you say 4:rth ed is a lot better or just better "streamlined" / clearer rules? I have seen some ppl say thay still prefere the 3:rd ed. (Maybe I shouldn't have unwrapped and punched out everything and tried to sell it to a collector instead?)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

The only thing in 3rd edition i really miss is the Distant Suns optional rule. Other than that, I think 4th is superior in every way.

[@1Dreamking]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer OK, thanks for reply. I will try out my copy sooner or later and then I might have to make a hard choice. =P

[@korhankaya6637]

Hey Cody I also listen to your World War 2 lectures, have you written any books or thinking of writing any?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Currently trying to get my dissertation published. Working on writing a second book now. Thanks.

[@korhankaya6637]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer that's awesome man, all the best luck to you

[@Hudsonbba]

Great top 10! Space Empires 4X is my fav especially with its expansions. Eclipse fell from a 9/10 to 7/10 the more I played sadly.

[@KabukiKid]

I adore Space Empires 4X, as well. Looking forward to getting the "last" expansion for it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks.

[@misomiso8228]

You love Space Empires Disrciminating Gamer!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed!

[@lorenzocanteensgames5215]

What I don't like in most sci-fi board games is the tactical, resource management and diplomacy mechanic. Too thinky and bland for me. I need a great sci-fi action-packed story-driven exploration board game that can rival the classic fantasy story-driven rpg games. A game where exploration is done on foot!!! So far, the only two game titles I can think of are Hunters Ad 2114 and Stars of Akarios, but they are not really like the type of game I'd like to play. That game should include a great dose of space action, exploration of unknown planets, battles against alien forms to fullfill a given mission. To date we still don't have a game like this, sadly. Maybe I'll have to make one of my own ahah

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

To each their own. I’d encourage you to make the game you’d like to play.

[@AndrewDayMortgage]

Whereabouts in TX are you?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Nowhere. I lived there a few years ago for about three years. Denton. Now I'm in Wyoming. Miss Texas.

[@AndrewDayMortgage]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Ah, I see. I'm in Texas. WY is the only place that'd make me miss TX! Whereabouts in WY? I'll be up there in July, it'd be nifty to get to see you. I'm shocked that there's enough population where you're at to generate gaming groups.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@AndrewDayMortgage Sweetwater County.

[@abacusfountain]

Take a look at our original sci fi universe, board game coming soon, thanks

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

What is it? Link to BGG?

[@abacusfountain]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer month and half out for release of anything

[@abacusfountain]

Posting preview of Abacus Fountain game today

[@IosifStalin2]

SE4x is just as good

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great game!

[@hariszark7396]

I just want a SPACE *EXPLORATION* game. To go where no man has gone before (😉). To find new planets and civilizations. To have encounters in ship, in space, on a planet. I don't want a strategy game. Not worker placement. No economy focused. No battle focused. Like Star Trek TOS. And for God's sake....NO EUROGAME. Probably something like ISS Vanguard but not that big and pricy. Any suggestions?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Star Trek Fleet Captains is prolly the closest that I can think of. Although there is battle.

[@hariszark7396]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer yeah I was just finished watching your review video on that. I don't mind having some battle. I just want the feeling of exploration space and having random encounters. Maybe ST Fleet Captains is the game I will like if there isn't anything else like it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

@@hariszark7396 Yeah - you have encounter cards which really make it feel like "Star Trek" exploration. Fun game.

[@hariszark7396]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer it seems logical....😉😉😆

[@grog3514]

No xia?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Did the original KS back in the day and loved the game. Gave it away during a purge and move. Regretted it ever since. Recently ordered another copy through the company's recent KS campaign. Looking forward to getting it back to the table.

[@ishotmyboss]

Dr. Jan Itor.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Nice guy.

[@marktaylor4906]

Exercise