Orbital Empire is a space-themed, high-strategy board game for 2 to 5 players that combines mechanics of territory control, resource gathering, and technology progression. Set in a future where humanity has colonized many planets, moons, and asteroids, players take on the role of competing empires vying to rule the solar system. Rich in theme and bursting with possibilities, Orbital Empire is the ultimate game of interplanetary conquest.
When setting up Orbital Empire, players first collect the game board and 2-5 player sets of colored components – including Planet Cards, Colony Hubs, and Empire Discs. Fifteen Technology Cards, drawn randomly from the Technology Deck, are placed face-up around the edge of the board.
The board itself represents space, divided into various zones like the Inner System, Main Belt, and Outer System, each containing valuable resources. Finally, players are dealt a starting hand of Resource Cards featuring Crystals, Metals, and Fuel, as well as Influence Points and Shield Pieces.
Each round in Orbital Empire represents one year, divided into phases. At the beginning of the year, players receive new Resource Cards randomly drawn from the Resource Deck. Players use their resources during the year to:
At the end of the year, players tally up their Victory Points based on population, resources gathered, and planets controlled, then discard any remaining Resource Cards.
Technology Cards grant players special abilities and bonuses throughout the game, like increased resource production, military advantages, or other unique powers. Progressing in science and technology is crucial to stay competitive by unlocking new possibilities and gaining advantages over opponents.
Some Technology Cards also enable the construction of Mega Projects, which provide significant benefits and often serve as game-altering wonders. In the later stages of the game, Mega Projects can offer decisive winning conditions.
Although players can go it alone, Orbital Empire is greatly enhanced by forming alliances and engaging in inter-empire negotiations. Players can trade resources, collaborate on colonization efforts, and launch joint military operations against mutual enemies.
However, the strategic landscape of Orbital Empire is always shifting: players may betray each other, alliances may break down, and friends can become foes. Negotiations, both friendly and hostile, require skill, tact, and cunning.
In Orbital Empire, several paths to victory can lead a player to be declared the "Supreme Emperor" and win the game. Winning conditions can include achieving a certain number of Victory Points through booming colonization and resource harvesting, monopolizing the available land and resources, or completing a challenging set of feats or objectives.
An exciting and dynamic final phase allows players to spend resources and make strategic decisions in a race to the ultimate goal of becoming the sole ruler of the solar system.
Whether through brute force, devious negotiation, technological superiority, or sheer strategic prowess, the players must evaluate their opponents, play the odds, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances to emerge victorious. Fostering a deep sense of immersion and richness, Orbital Empire will not disappoint as a compelling tabletop gaming experience.
