Cosmic Encounter: 42nd Anniversary Edition cover
2018BGG rank #1,130

Cosmic Encounter: 42nd Anniversary Edition

by Bill Eberle, Jack Kittredge, Bill Norton, Peter Olotka, Kevin Wilson · Fantasy Flight Games

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Players3–5
Time60–120m
ComplexityMedium-Light
Age14+

About the game

What is Cosmic Encounter: 42nd Anniversary Edition?

Cosmic Encounter 42nd Anniversary Edition welcomes new players to the game of infinite possibilities with a freshly revised rulebook and a beautifully illustrated Quick-start Guide that captures the nostalgia of the original game and makes it easy for anyone to learn. The Quick-start Guide’s comic book style throws readers back to the 1970s, providing vital insight into the core rules of the game while embracing the fun of a cosmic conquest filled with wacky aliens and outrageous abilities. What's more, with the beautiful translucent ship pieces (as shown above), spreading your colonies across the galaxy has never been more stylish! A newly discovered species joins the classic line-up of aliens. You can, of course, play as old favorites such as Mite or Remora, or you can try your hand at leading the ruthless Demon to victory. Previously only released at Cosmic Con, this species was exiled from their original galaxy for unprincipled opportunism. Now they seek cosmic vengeance, using their power to possess other players’ hands to bolster their own strength and sap others’ will to win. In addition to this monstrous newcomer, Cosmic Encounter 42nd Anniversary Edition offers you new ways to customize your games with the introduction of Cosmic Combo cards. These carefully assembled cards offer a list of alien species with a brief description of their powers to create themed matchups and explore different types of games. You may find yourself among some Big Time Clubbers or Cellar Dwellers, that can be integrated into three, four, or five-player games. Every card spins a new challenge, and with these new options for customization, no two games are ever the same. —description from the publisher

How it plays

Mechanics

AlliancesCard Play Conflict ResolutionHand ManagementInterruptsNegotiationPrisoner's DilemmaRaceSimultaneous Action SelectionTake ThatTradingVariable Player Powers

On the shelf

Categories

BluffingNegotiationScience FictionSpace Exploration

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in Cosmic Encounter: 42nd Anniversary Edition?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?