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We’re not afraid to tackle the big questions, you and I. We can talk about anything and find an answer, right? Like, when will cats finally take over the planet and rule humankind? (Answer: it’s already happened.) What is the best sandwich filling? (Answer: Cheese and tomato, you can’t beat the classics.) Here’s another that many have pondered over the years: are we alone in the universe? Probably not. It’s a vast thing, this all-encompassing universe, and there must surely be other planets that hold some form of life. It won’t necessarily be murderous creatures armed to their many teeth. A lot of this alien life could just be amoebas floating about in purple pools in some dank corner of a galaxy. Or it could be hordes of seagull-like things arguing constantly amongst themselves and lacking the technology to communicate with us. Or they could be a fair bit more intelligent… and they might already know where we are.
Will we be able to find common ground with aliens? Would they even like board games? Frankly, that would be a bit of a deal breaker for me.
Anyway, let’s take a look at Czech Games’ upcoming release…
Lead a scientific institution tasked with searching for traces of life beyond planet Earth in SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, a eurogame for 1–4 players inspired by existing or emerging technologies and efforts in space exploration.
By launching probes to investigate nearby planets and moons, directing telescopes to distant star systems, and developing your equipment back on Earth, you will investigate the Solar System and beyond, searching for signs of life outside our planet. To aid in your exploration, you may also utilize 200+ cards that feature real technologies, projects, and discoveries, each of them with unique illustrations and effects.
SETI pays homage to space and planetary exploration, astronomy, the ongoing search for signs of life in the vastness of space, and efforts to understand the nature of life in the universe.
The big draw here is the giant four-layered rotating galaxy in the centre of the game board. For a game about the grandeur of space, this is a suitably spectacular centrepiece. When you see it on a table, you’re going to want to play. Different layers will rotate in response to certain actions and events within the game, and this movement can be used to your advantage if you have the correct strategy to anticipate and snatch opportunity. For example, when you’re manoeuvring rocket-propelled probes so you can line up for a smooth planetary landing, or you’re trying to align your radio telescope to focus your search for alien life in a specific part of the galaxy.
The other aspect of this game that I find irresistible is the fact that much of its design and inspiration is based on real science. (If you’re on Instagram - and board game fans I promise that it’s the best social media for our hobby - then you might have seen a series of posts from the team with loads of facts about space exploration. I love it - it’s such a different method of marketing.) This is what makes the game genuinely exciting. The likelihood of life on other planets is strong, and the team have gone out of their way to make the alien life that you will discover in the game a reasonable representation of what might actually be out there. SETI is going to be great fun, and it’s going to spark some good conversation within your family or gaming group.
The team have put together an excellent FAQ page about SETI, and I think it’s worth taking a look: SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence — Official FAQ - Czech Games Edition blog
It will entertain 1-4 players, and Czech Games are looking to launch at Essen Spiel ‘24. If you’re attending that con, I’m jealous, so strap on your rocket packs and get yourself over to their stall. Live long and game, people.