Space Base: Command Station

Space Base is an excellent take on the Machi Koro style of game. In both games you will roll dice and then activate several cards based on the numerical value of the dice. In Space Base you have a space station with number slots 1-12, in these slots you place cards with the matching number. On your turn you will roll two dice and activate either the card of the total numerical value of the dice, or the two cards of the numerical value of the individual dice.

The interesting thing with Space Base is that when you replace cards you turn them 180 degrees and tuck them under that same number slot. This gives you an activation when your opponents roll those numbers. It’s a great system that works well and keeps everyone involved even during other people’s turns.

Space Base has been expanded once with Shy Pluto, an expansion that adds new concepts and mechanics in a legacy style fashion. Command Station is more of a ‘big box with extras’ than a true expansion but it shows that AEG are committed to adding more content to this excellent game.

As well as all that extra space, you’ll also find a few extras.

• Two sets of components. This takes the total player count to seven.
• 350 card sleeves.
• A set of dice for each player.
• Streamlined rules that replace the base game's overly complex rules.

Command station also adds variants to speed the game up, especially at the new higher player counts. This essentially allows you to start the game with a few more cards including ones that are tucked beneath the board, so you start with your engine partially built.

Given that I’d be tempted to use this variant most of the time I think that overall this box represents good value, just know going in that you are buying a box more than an expansion.

Player Count: 2-7
Time: 60 Minutes
Age: 14+

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