EUROPE’S HONEST VOICE IN GLOBAL BOARD GAMING

EUROPE’S HONEST VOICE IN GLOBAL BOARD GAMING

SETI, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Honest & Precise Review

Exploring the Cosmos in SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is a eurogame that lets 1–4 players step into the shoes of scientists at a leading institution, hunting for signs of extraterrestrial life. In this mid-weight strategy game, players will explore planets, launch probes, detect alien signals, and upgrade their technology to gain the edge in the search for the unknown. If you enjoy space-themed games that combine strategy with a thematic narrative, SETI offers an intriguing experience.

Thematic Depth in Space Exploration

One of SETI’s strongest features is how deeply it draws on real-life scientific concepts and space exploration efforts. The game is heavily inspired by real-world technologies and projects like the Large Hadron Collider, the International Space Station, and various planetary probes. Instead of leaning on pure science fiction, SETI crafts its gameplay around actual efforts to search for extraterrestrial life, grounding the experience in reality.

Players act as members of the SETI organization, launching probes from Earth to explore nearby planets and moons, gathering data, and analyzing alien signals. The rotating solar system adds an ever-changing dynamic to each session, making the universe feel alive and in constant motion. This element is not just for show—it directly impacts the strategy, forcing you to adapt to shifting planetary positions as you race to make discoveries.

Engaging Mechanics with Plenty of Strategic Options

At its core, SETI offers a well-structured set of mechanics that flow smoothly once you get the hang of them. The game is divided into five rounds, and each round consists of several turns in which players perform various actions. Actions include launching probes, sending out signals, landing on planets, and processing data. Each decision you make affects the broader strategy, and managing your resources—Credits, Power, and Publicity—is crucial.

What makes SETI particularly interesting is its card-based system. The game comes with over 200 action cards, each unique and tied to real-world technologies or discoveries. The cards add layers of depth to the gameplay, offering bonuses and special actions that can bend the usual rules. As the game progresses, upgrading your technology opens up more powerful actions and allows you to specialize in different strategies—whether it’s focusing on data collection, probe exploration, or signal detection.

Tech Upgrades and Customization

A major feature of SETI is its tech upgrade system, which is divided into three categories: Probes, Data, and Signals. Each tech path offers distinct advantages. Probes, for example, can be upgraded to allow multiple probes in space at once or enable more efficient landings on planets. Data upgrades make your data track more useful by increasing the rewards you get for collecting and processing information. Signal upgrades enhance your ability to send out more signals or claim distant stars faster.

This tech tree provides a great deal of customization, allowing you to shape your approach to the game depending on your strategy or what your opponents are doing. The tech system also enhances the game’s replayability, as you can explore different strategies with each playthrough.

Dynamic Interplay Between Players

Unlike some solitary eurogames, SETI includes a decent amount of player interaction. The fight for dominance in the signal-detection mini-game can become surprisingly cutthroat, especially since the player who gets there last breaks ties. You’ll also find yourself competing for planets and alien discoveries, as well as vying for end-game objectives, which are chosen randomly at the start of each game. The player interaction adds tension, without being overly aggressive, and it helps make each game session feel competitive and engaging.

Discovering Alien Life

The discovery of alien species is one of the most exciting aspects of SETI. Each game includes two alien species, which are randomly selected from a pool of five. As players collect traces of alien life—yellow, blue, and pink tokens—they can place them on species boards. Once a board has one of each color, the alien species is revealed, bringing with it new special abilities and scoring opportunities. This mechanic not only enhances the thematic experience but also introduces variability to every game session. The randomness of which species appear keeps the game fresh and encourages players to adjust their strategies on the fly.

Resource Management and Strategic Depth

Resource management in SETI is tight, which will appeal to players who enjoy challenging decision-making. Players need to carefully balance their use of Credits and Power, the primary resources in the game. Running out of these resources limits your ability to perform actions, which can force you to pass early in a round. However, SETI also rewards players who can combo their actions efficiently, stretching out their resources to achieve multiple objectives in a single turn.

The combination of tech upgrades, card actions, and resource management makes SETI a highly strategic game. Every decision you make has ripple effects, and players who enjoy piecing together complex strategies will find SETI satisfying.

Components and Visual Appeal

SETI is visually striking, with its rotating solar system being the centerpiece. The game components are well-crafted, particularly the rotating dials that represent the movement of planets and celestial objects. The artwork on the cards is both detailed and thematic, depicting real-life scientific institutions and projects that enhance the overall immersion of the game.

The rulebook is also well-designed, making the game’s rules accessible despite the depth of gameplay. While SETI is a mid-heavy eurogame, the clear explanations and intuitive mechanics make it easier to grasp after a few plays. For players who want a bit more guidance, there are how-to-play videos available online, which can help with the learning process.

Replayability and Longevity

One of the standout features of SETI is its high replayability. With over 200 unique cards, five alien species, and a rotating solar system that changes with each game, no two sessions of SETI will feel exactly the same. The variable end-game objectives also add to the replayability, as players can pursue different goals in each game. Whether you’re focusing on tech upgrades, probe exploration, or alien discovery, there are plenty of paths to victory.

The mid-game twist of discovering alien species adds to the excitement, and the game’s depth means you’ll likely uncover new strategies even after several plays. Fans of other mid-weight eurogames like Terraforming Mars or Ark Nova will appreciate the strategic depth and variety SETI offers.

Verdict

SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is a well-designed, thematic eurogame that combines space exploration with strategic gameplay. Its rotating solar system, tech upgrade system, and card-driven mechanics create a dynamic and engaging experience that will appeal to fans of science and strategy alike. While the game’s resource management and player interaction can be challenging, they also add to the depth and replayability. If you enjoy games with a strong theme, plenty of strategic options, and a focus on discovery, SETI is a game worth exploring. It stands out as an excellent addition to the growing list of space-themed strategy games.

– David

Scratches: 9.0/10.0

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2025-01-03T12:13:27+01:00
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