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Description
Beyond the Sun is a space civilization game in which players collectively decide the technological progress of humankind at the dawn of the Spacefaring Era, while competing against each other to be the leading faction in economic development, science, and galactic influence.
The game is played over a variable number of rounds until a number of game-end achievements are collectively claimed by the players. The winner is the faction with the most victory points, which are obtained by researching technologies, improving their economy, controlling and colonizing systems, and completing various achievements and events throughout the game.
On a turn, a player moves their action pawn to an empty action space, then takes that action. They then conduct their production phase, either producing ore, growing their population, or trading one of those resources for another. Finally, they can claim up to one achievement, if possible.
As players take actions, they research new technologies that come in four levels. Each technology is one of four types (scientific, economic, military, commercial), and higher-level technologies must match one of the types of tech that lead into it. Thus, players create their own technology tree in each game, using these actions to increase their military strength, to jump to different habitable exoplanetary systems, to colonize those systems, to boost their resource production, to develop android tech that allows growth without population, and more.
Year Published
2020
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 14
This page: 14
Sentiment:
pos 13 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–14 of 14
Video oBhWS-do-uQ
Tabletop Turtle top_5_list at 0:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13373 · mention_pk 39224
Click to watch at 0:11
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Massive technology tree that feels intuitive to play
- Complex strategy that doesn't feel overwhelming
- Easy to teach - one round and players understand the rules
- Actions make intuitive sense without needing to read everything
- Unique design from first-time designer
- Amazing well-crafted game
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- space civilization
- technology advancement
- galactic empire
- planetary expansion
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Kim is a little new to gaming... I've been in the business for maybe a couple decades... he's ancient he was around before the first board game was ever created
- The reason for that is if you check forums a lot of people will talk about how they don't like the semi-cooperative nature of the game
- I wish he was wrong but okay in my justification if you're playing a board game it's a physical tactile thing
- I have a lot of friends where English is not their first language... with this kind of game being abstract there are no there's no cards to read there's no complicated rule
- Argent is one of the most beautiful mess of the games imaginable
- If you've never seen this game before it is the cutest thing ever ever
- It's been my favorite game forever... I wouldn't bust this down if my family came over
- Every time I feel like playing a board game it feels like there's a part of me that's just like okay I should play Arc Nova again
- I really like when theme matches the mechanics
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ntwCRbk3z5k
Going Analog top_10_list at 10:49 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13302 · mention_pk 38997
Click to watch at 10:49
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- innovative progression and variability
Cons
- weighty for some players
Thematic elements
- tech tree progression with varied research paths
- space exploration and technological advancement
- tech-tree driven progression
Comparison games
- Gaia Project
- Terra Mystica
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — build a personal engine through tech choices
- tech-tree development — discover and unlock techs that alter the rules
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we call him a beige gamer because the color of my skin
- it's basically monopoly with cows
- beige is fine I like beige
- Rising Sun is the behemoth of modern euros
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5wXQlnD6FDU
Peaky Boardgamer rules teach at 0:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10437 · mention_pk 30741
Click to watch at 0:35
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep strategic depth with two main focus axes (tech advancement and exploration/colonization).
- Rich production engine and resource management that interplays with exploration and tech.
- Multiple viable end-game paths driven by achievements and expansion decisions.
- Advanced faction boards add asymmetry, increasing replayability and variety.
- Flexible player counts with setup options that accommodate different numbers of players.
Cons
- High complexity and long playtime (roughly two hours) may deter casual players.
- Steep learning curve with numerous rules and interactions to grasp.
- Two-player game restrictions in Advanced mats or specific factions (e.g., Disciples of the Cosmic Tabernacle) reduce options for small groups.
- Setup can be lengthy and rules-dense for first-time players.
Thematic elements
- space exploration, technological advancement, and economic development to build and sustain spacefaring civilizations.
- Earth is abandoned after a thermonuclear war; humanity searches for a new home among the stars.
- rule-guided, modular with event cards, tech trees, and faction powers; emphasizes strategic planning and system-level control.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- automation_track_scoring — researching tech can automate production discs along an automation track; end-game scoring uses automation and discs.
- end_game_scoring_and_achievements — achievement cards drive end-game scoring; four discs triggers end; final scoring from achievements, colonies, automation, and resources.
- event_and_guild_card_system — level 2/3 event cards with fixed blue borders included; guilds unlock via events; unlock new spaces.
- exploration_and_colonization — move spacecraft on exploration board; control areas via strength; colonize systems by meeting conditions and paying costs.
- faction_powers_and_advanced_mats — advanced faction boards add asymmetry with unique powers; setup varies by player count.
- production_and_resource_management — production occurs via population growth, ore, food, production discs; trade options to convert resources.
- tech_tree_research — research of technologies via population resources; unlocks immediate bonuses and new action options; prerequisites via linked techs.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these two achievement cards are always included in your games and they lead you towards the two main strategies of the game to research your first fourth level technology or to colonize at least four systems
- the end of the game is triggered when four achievement discs are added in achievement cards
- An area is controlled by the player who has the highest strength by adding the level of all the players spacecraft in the area
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video QWEa6-0Ua3U
Jungkook's Games general_discussion at 0:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10175 · mention_pk 29937
Click to watch at 0:39
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Emergent strategy with evolving tech paths
- Dynamic endgame via variable achievements
- Strong replayability due to modular tech trees and events
- Engaging shift from tech-focused early game to late-game power spikes
Cons
- Can lead to analysis paralysis in some groups
- Asymmetrical boards may tilt the balance for some players
- Rule complexity may intimidate newcomers
Thematic elements
- Technological advancement, space exploration
- Space, interstellar development
- Emergent strategy driven by a communal tech tree
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Achivement-based endgame — Communal achievements drive end-game scoring and add variability.
- Resource-as-die faces — Resource tokens derive from die-like faces used for actions and population.
- Space exploration and colonization — Moving ships to claim systems and colonize them for points.
- Tech tree development — Players collectively build a tech tree with prerequisites that unlock new actions.
- worker placement — Single worker pawn moves to open spots on a communal board to take actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm super impressed with this game and the emergent strategic experience every time you play.
- This is one of my favorite games that I've played this year.
- Vikings was cool; it's a neat game and I would not mind playing it again at some point.
- Whistle Mountain: I was loving the decisions I was making and it's polarizing—some friends hated it and some loved it.
- Beyond the Sun's emergent strategy is what keeps me coming back.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video thllkDb_HJI
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 10:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10228 · mention_pk 30206
Click to watch at 10:24
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- ambitious scope and thematic depth
- engaging engine-building elements
Cons
- rule clarity can be dense for new players
Thematic elements
- tech-tree driven empire building
- space exploration and technological advancement
- n/a
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tech-tree / engine-building — players expand their spacefaring civilization with tech choices and actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- representation is really really important you know like this is speaking from experience growing up as a people of color
- we are curious to know what your experience was like with spiel digital and online conventions
- calico, i really enjoyed learning and playing calico
- we would like to know what your thoughts are on Patreon and what you would like to see
- this month you'll probably see beyond the sun and at least on two Fridays we're going to be live streaming
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video cM2xw1GYkts
Friendly Ties Podcast analysis at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9579 · mention_pk 28325
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep, varied tech-tree interactions that reward multiple paths
- Balanced mix of exploration, colonization, and production
- Tug-of-war on the space board creates meaningful tension
- High replayability due to multiple tech paths and endgame strategies
Cons
- Potential downtime during tech choice and card reads
- Endgame can feel abrupt in certain player counts
- Variants like asymmetric boards/tech market add complexity that can overwhelm new players
Thematic elements
- Technological progress, exploration, and empire-building in a spacefaring context.
- Interstellar spacefaring civilization with planetary colonization and tech-driven advancement.
- Sci-fi, tech-forward progression with a focus on system interactions.
Comparison games
- Anno 1800
- Lost Ruins of Arnak
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetric ship/space board tug-of-war — A sideboard/space board where majority control and ship placement influence scoring and expansion.
- Color-coded tech types with probabilistic draws — Tech cards come in colors hinting at likely rewards; players draw two and keep one, shaping plans.
- End-game scoring via achievements and tech levels — End conditions trigger through specific achievements or level-4 tech, ending the game.
- Indirect conflict with interaction between boards — Tension arises via contest for spaces and majority, rather than raw direct combat.
- resource and production management — Population, ore, and other production tokens fuel actions and tech progression.
- Tech tree drafting / unlocking — Technologies unlock new spots and capabilities; players flip/draft tech cards and plan around them.
- worker placement — Players move a single worker to take actions on a shared board to develop their engine and colonies.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's actually a playthrough that you can see on the john gets games youtube channel
- one of the big things is going to be post game discussions
- it's a work replacement game where you have one worker
- the technologies feed into the sideboard and the sideboard feeds into technologies
- everything gives you points right
- it's a race because that's what ends the game
- i love the balance of that
- the tug of war on the space board is really tension-filled
- this game has legs
- asymmetric boards add depth but can be polarizing
- you can focus on colonizing or tech and still be competitive
- endgame achievements can end the game abruptly in a good way
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video jxt0ddH7MVI
Dice Tower review at 1:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6594 · mention_pk 19533
Click to watch at 1:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great game
Cons
- not beautiful components
Thematic elements
- space
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Welcome back to the Dice Tours. We take a look at another shelf in the Dice Tower Library.
- if you like games about delivering the mail, this is it
- Just a solid game of quick, snappy turns
- AIA, what a great game about shipping. This is a fantastic, terrific game.
- You like Dominion, but you want it for dice. This is your game.
- Very very popular games all them. That's why there's two of each.
- Although, frankly, you should always play with the expansion.
- I just really am loving SETI. Fantastic game.
- I do like this game. I have a soft spot for it.
- Vast, not as popular as its successor, root
- My favorite game here is The Great Museum Caper. Nope. I forgot Magical Athletes there. Magical Athlete is amazing.
- I just love Tumbling Dice.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video lounB_Yf1N8
Unknown Channel top_100_list at 2:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4885 · mention_pk 14527
Click to watch at 2:39
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- innovative tech-tree mechanic
- airy playtime with depth
- engaging theme of discovery
Cons
- board aesthetics may feel bland to some
- thematic depth can outpace accessibility
Thematic elements
- technological advancement via tech tree
- Futuristic space exploration and development
- tech-driven progression with shared horizon
Comparison games
- Terraforming Mars
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action_selection — take actions using unlocked tech pathways
- tech_tree — unlock actions by researching technologies
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's very very simple it's a move attack attack move game
- prepainted Miniatures which is awesome cuz I can't paint
- Hasbro did try and bring this back on two occasions
- Beyond the Sun this has been described as Tech Tree the board game essentially
- the board is very Bland it's sort of like a white and blue aesthetic
- it's skull and roses an insanely simple concept
- the meta game that appears out of blue in this game
- Brass Birmingham has done the unenviable task of converting an already classic game and actually making it better
- Project Elite is like shooting a load of cocaine coming down off of it and then shooting another load of cocaine
- the player that spends the most money automatically loses the game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video PQ5AfzyJNGE
Unknown analysis at 1:08 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 4070 · mention_pk 11894
Click to watch at 1:08
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- Clear articulation of core strategic axes (tech progression and exploration)
- Highlights engine-building and resource management
- End-game conditions and scoring explained
Cons
- Lacks deep dive into game rules or examples
- Some terms could be confusing without gameplay experience
Thematic elements
- Technological advancement, space exploration, galactic influence
- Space, far future
- Descriptive overview of core mechanics and strategy
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Achievements and end-game scoring — Completing achievements grants victory points and signals game end
- Exploration and colonization — Exploring deep space, controlling and colonizing systems
- Resource production engine — Engine-building style where players must optimize resource production to perform actions
- Technology progress — Advancing technology unlocks more powerful actions and capabilities
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- one is technological progress advancing
- the second one is exploration of the deep space
- the resource production engine players must Focus their production engine
- achievements
- Beyond the Sun
- the consequences of the first
- abandon Earth
- leading faction in Economic Development
- players will also score victory points
- this as well will grant players with literary points but will also support the resource production engine
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video USBqRf7_lZ0
Dice Tower top_10_list at 23:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3804 · mention_pk 11167
Click to watch at 23:52
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Solid post-apocalyptic/space-themed Eurogame vibe
Cons
- Specific iconography and teaching can be challenging
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Harrow County is a very unique game.
- This is Seven Wonders. ... an excellent card drafting game.
- Ticket to Ride is a classic and a staple at many events.
- Root has fans and they are super fans.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9RyaNJJhZSs
John Gets Games general_discussion at 10:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2706 · mention_pk 7941
Click to watch at 10:35
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Solid two-player pacing
- well-constructed engine mechanics
Cons
- May feel long for some groups
- some players prefer more direct conflict
Thematic elements
- Space exploration and civilization-building
- Spacefaring civilization development
Comparison games
- Terraforming Mars
- Nations
- Through the Ages
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action-selection — Choose actions to advance your faction's development
- engine-building — Develop a technology-driven engine through card play and actions
- set collection — Gather and utilize resources and cards to improve your position
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the snake board is better overall
- my ad revenue has doubled since i added the advertisements into the middle of the videos
- i'm choosing to make this my full-time job
- 2021 will probably have more videos than any other year that i've done
- rules are still overwhelming but the writing is exciting
- i don't really want to flood people's subscription feeds with three or four videos at once
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video bjqWrnUe6OU
Three Minute Board Game game_review at 0:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2424 · mention_pk 7081
Click to watch at 0:20
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Incredibly interactive Euro game blending engine building, worker placement, and area control
- Two boards with distinct feels and goals complement each other
- Variety of tech cards is impressive and opens up new options
- Early access to powerful techs is advantageous and rewards adaptive strategy
- Relatively short play time for the depth of decisions
Cons
- First few games can be rough while players learn the tech deck contents and pace
- Thematic presentation is more abstract compared to some space-themed racers like Leaving Earth
- Potentially easy to overextend or misplay when behind technologically
Thematic elements
- Space empire-building with technology development and planetary control
- A near-future space race where organizations compete for humanity's future among planets and technologies
- Euro-style crunchy engine-building blended with area control
Comparison games
- Leaving Earth
- Roll for the Galaxy
- Space Corp
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area_control — Control planets by having more ships on a space or planet tile, yielding benefits and influence.
- card_selection_and_events — Draw and select level-based tech cards that may trigger events or provide immediate/ongoing bonuses.
- engine_building — Unlock and upgrade technologies, creating an evolving power curve and new options.
- production_type_selection — Choose production types (food, minerals, etc.) to generate and optimize economy each round.
- resource_management — Manage resources such as minerals and food, as well as production markers tied to actions and tracks.
- terraforming_and_colonization — Terraform or colonize planets by spending ships and resolving terraforming-related actions with planet scores.
- worker_placement — On each turn, place a worker to take a designated action on the board.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Beyond the Sun is an incredibly interactive Euro game which blends engine building and worker placement with a rather involved and important area control game
- The variety of tech cards is impressive and each one opens up new options
- All up a fascinating and unique game best suited to experienced Gamers who can keep a lot of information in their head
- It packs a ton of decisions into its comparatively Short play time
- The best thing about this game is the Technologies watching the powers evolve over the course of the game is fascinating
- First few games will be pretty rough as knowing what is in the technology decks will take time
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video FMjAlu5F1WA
Tabletop Turtle general_discussion at 1:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1816 · mention_pk 5238
Click to watch at 1:28
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Accessible yet deep
- Lovely components and aesthetic
Cons
- Limitations on direct interaction
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Tapestry
- Terraforming Mars
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Tech-tree / area control — Players explore technologies and build systems to exert influence and gain points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm very bold in my opinions, I hate it but I'm still willing to give it a second and third try because it's better it's an expensive game
- America blue shell is when you brace Mario Kart and then if you're in last place you get rewarded the blue shell
- it's a shared objective, you really pay attention to what other people are doing
- canvas... what a stinker... you're a pile of poops I love that game
- Rise of X added ... I had the Dreadnought portion and it replaced the main board
- I'll take it from me, I think he's French no he's Jamaican
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7TZ9B2Smtr0
Unknown top_100_list at 9:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 722 · mention_pk 2072
Click to watch at 9:09
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- infinitely replayable
- one-of-a-kind tech-tree feel
Cons
- aesthetically bland looking
Thematic elements
- technology discovery and empire building
- space tech-tree progression
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium
- Exodus Proxima Centuri
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building / action selection — design your action economy around tech choices
- planet population & scoring — populate planets to score points
- tech-tree progression — unlock tech cards to gain new actions and scoring options
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Cosmic Encounter is truly one of a kind.
- This game is basically a fantastic blend of skill and luck.
- I love this game.
- Production is off charts.
- it's not a war game, it's more of an economic game.
- Beyond the Sun is a fantastic game.
- Carcassonne is without doubt one of the greatest games of all time.
- an amazing dice chucking extravaganza
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–14 of 14