Eclipse Board Game First Impressions
Eclipse is an epic space game…
Not for the new player vs the experienced.
The galaxy has been a peaceful place for many years. After the ruthless Terran–Hegemony War (30.027–33.364), much effort has been employed by all major spacefaring species to prevent the terrifying events from repeating themselves. The Galactic Council was formed to enforce precious peace, and it has taken many courageous efforts to prevent the escalation of malicious acts. Nevertheless, tension and discord are growing among the seven major species and in the Council itself. Old alliances are shattering, and hasty diplomatic treaties are made in secrecy. A confrontation of the superpowers seems inevitable – only the outcome of the galactic conflict remains to be seen. Which faction will emerge victorious and lead the galaxy under its rule?
There’s a lot going on here, it did remind me of a Terra Mystica in space in some ways.
This is an epic game so I’ll list the things I like about it.
The Eclipse Look
It just looks… great. Loads of boards, tiles, plastic ships rows of cubes and disks. Numbers, symbols etc But it all makes sense and is VERY easy to pick up. Some icons need explaining but most of it explains itself after you get a grip on the game.
Choices
You only have a few to make but each is important. Exploring gives you income and bonuses and Influence helps you gain income too. Moving helps you get your fleet into position. Researching makes you more advanced and Upgrading puts your new tech to use on your ships. Of course, you always need more ships so Build lets you do that.
Income
As you gain influence in Eclipse you drop cubes down onto the game board. Under the cube that was on your personal board is your income level, so the more influence you have the more income you have each turn. I like it when it’s done this way.
You also have 3 income types for Actions, Research and Builds you need to balance.
I could go on and on about Movement, Diplomatic Relations, Combat, lack of downtime etc and other stuff I like but you should just go and play it.
I enjoyed it and would play it again in the near future should the opportunity arise.
Eclipse Update 24/09/2018
I compared Eclipse to ‘Terra Mystica in space with combat’ and it is. But Gaia Project kills this now and so does T14 to be fair. I guess they know that so they’re releasing a Second Edition of Eclipse. 🙂
Jesta ThaRogue
