Ganymede

Ganymede is a development and tableau-building game where players act as corporations specializing in transporting settlers to colonize the universe. Designed by Hope S. Hwang and published by Sorry We Are French, the game accommodates 2 to 4 players aged 14 and up, with a playtime of approximately 20 to 40 minutes.

Objective:

Players aim to recruit settlers on Earth, transport them via shuttles to Mars, and then to Ganymede, the launch base for settlers' ships. The game concludes when a player has launched four settlers' ships into space. Victory points are earned from launched ships and progress on the reputation track.

Gameplay Overview:

On their turn, players perform one of three actions:

• Recruit Settlers:
• Select a Settler tile and place it on one of three slots on the player board, executing its action, typically recruiting settlers to Earth.
• If the tile's color matches previously placed tiles, the action can be repeated multiple times.
• Use a Shuttle Card:
• Choose an Earth or Mars Shuttle card to move settlers from Earth to Mars or from Mars to a settlers' ship.
• Place the shuttle card on the player board and perform its bonus action.
• Matching the color of existing cards allows repetition of the bonus action.
• Discard Settler Tiles:
• Discard 1 to 3 Settler tiles to perform corresponding basic actions, such as recruiting settlers, adapting settler types, moving settlers, increasing reputation, or drawing new ship cards.

Once the requirements for a settlers' ship are met, it launches, and settlers return to the supply. The game ends when a player launches their fourth ship or when a shuttle deck is depleted. Points are tallied from launched ships, the reputation track, and settlers on incomplete ships.

Components:

• 52 Wooden Settler Meeples
• 4 Wooden Cubes
• 90 Shuttle and Settlers' Ship Cards
• 4 Player Boards
• Rulebook

Strategic Elements:

Ganymede emphasizes efficiency and optimization, with players seeking to create synergistic combinations through careful selection of tiles and cards. The game rewards strategic planning and adaptability, offering a satisfying experience for those who enjoy building effective action sequences.

Product Details:

• Number of Players: 2–4
• Recommended Age: 14+
• Playtime: 20–40 minutes

Ganymede offers a compelling blend of strategic depth and accessible gameplay, making it a notable addition to the collection of board game enthusiasts interested in space exploration themes.