Skip to main content
Cosmic Encounter box art

Cosmic Encounter

Game ID: GID0076509
Collection Status
Description

By request of Fantasy Flight Games, Board Game Geek lists the various editions of Cosmic Encounter in separate entries. Each edition is the same game at its core, but the features, compatible expansions, and production differ among them. This entry is for the original 1977 Eon version.

Players represent alien races that are seeking to spread themselves onto five foreign worlds. To accomplish this, they make challenges against other players and enlist the aid of interested parties. But alien powers, which are unique to each race, give players ways to bend or outright break some rule in the game.

The game continues until one player occupies five planets in other systems to win. Shared victories are possible and a player need not occupy one's own system to win.

Year Published
1977
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 24
This page: 24
Sentiment: pos 22 · mix 2 · neu 0 · neg 0
Mentions per page
Top
Showing 1–24 of 24
Video WoyWR9aLmd4 Ninja Geek Games top_list sentiment: positive
video_pk 13601 · mention_pk 39741
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • works well with shared victory
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's not even a game it's just like a story
  • why is it there this is the game about inventions and this is basically telling me to make cutesy patterns with tiles
  • the bane of my freaking life this horrible game
  • I just want to feel like right I can do this I can do this
  • just design one good game one good game one good mode
  • why can't I tell you
  • they just made them a lot worse
  • it's a red flag to the game is going to suck
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video o_ZAxb-_AA8 Rolls and the Family top_10_list at 6:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13154 · mention_pk 38459
Rolls and the Family - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 6:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Unique, asymmetric powers; strong social interaction
Cons
  • Long setup or learning curve for new players
Thematic elements
  • diplomacy, negotiation, and alliance-building
  • space empire conflicts among alien civilizations
  • story-driven, asymmetric player powers
Comparison games
  • Eldritch Horror
  • Twilight Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • negotiation — Players negotiate alliances and deals to attack/defend and achieve goals.
  • variable_player_powers — Each alien has a unique power affecting interactions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's so nostalgic that it's like so much of me wants to own it
  • I think this quite possibly could be my top game
  • the Mind Games I really like the mind games
  • the combination of bag building and push your luck is just really nice
  • we'll be seeing Twilight Imperium on Caitlyn's no we will not
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video fiEeGFVZK84 Board Game League general_discussion at 0:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11874 · mention_pk 34791
Board Game League - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Rich asymmetry creates varied experiences
  • Excellent for capturing tournament-style energy with multiple leaders
Cons
  • Can be complex for beginners due to numerous powers and interactions
Thematic elements
  • Negotiation, betrayal, alliances, and asymmetric gameplay.
  • A classic space-faring civilization saga where players attempt to dominate by exploring alien powers.
  • Epic, with long-term strategic planning and shifting power dynamics.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • asymmetric player powers — Each player has a unique alien power that shapes their strategy and interaction with others.
  • Negotiation / alliance formation — Players form and break alliances, trading favors to gain strategic advantage.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this is the board game league six
  • they're going to earn different numbers of victory points
  • our finale Cosmic Encounter
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 2dVYCyuJ1hk Three Minute Board Games general_discussion at 1:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11088 · mention_pk 32603
Three Minute Board Games - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 1:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • negotiation and alliance-building among diverse species
  • space with alien civilizations
  • multiplayer negotiation and intrigue
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • negotiation/alliances — players negotiate with others to form temporary alliances and outmaneuver opponents.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • there's something intrinsically incredibly rewarding about winning a game with a faction no one thinks is any good
  • i love games that understand that family friendly doesn't have to be boring and awful
  • the fact that there's a game for everyone out there is pretty cool
  • i love designing board games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video abVkH1xTJKg Rolls in the Family roundup at 20:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10204 · mention_pk 30091
Rolls in the Family - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 20:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • High level of group interaction
  • Rich, thematic space diplomacy experience
  • Replayable due to shifting aliens and powers
Cons
  • Can be chaotic or unpredictable with larger groups
Thematic elements
  • Alliances, betrayals, and strategic power dynamics
  • Space diplomacy and alien interaction through negotiation
  • Group-driven social interaction with variable alien powers
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Negotiation and alliances — Players form and break alliances to influence the outcome.
  • Variable aliens and abilities — Each game features different alien powers that alter strategy.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • the changes are so good and the game just feels like this is the switch I really love
  • there's nothing like this game
  • The thematic experience it's able to deliver
  • This is such a game that depends on going into it with the right expectations
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video XWrw6s-sCow The Broken Meeple review at 19:45 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 10002 · mention_pk 29469
The Broken Meeple - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 19:45 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
  • fine game
  • been in collection for a while
  • unique player powers
Cons
  • very group dependent
  • too many expansions make it bloated
  • powers are ridiculous and unbalanced
  • needs 5 players to use reward decks
  • teaching new players is complicated
  • product of its time
  • less Buzz around recent expansions
Thematic elements
  • space
  • alien civilizations
  • conflict
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's only a game
  • you're listening to the broken meeple show a podcast that speaks passionately about board games
  • I am very much a cold blooded I'm a cold blooded lizard I need cold
  • the top 50 has finally finished finally it's done
  • there is nothing apart from it being bright and sunny there is nothing about the summer that really gets me like you know excited or interested because it's just too hot
  • I look at these top 50s uh they certainly increase a bit
  • there's a lot of good feedback in terms of what's up next hard to say really
  • I would give it at least a seven out of 10 right now and say it's good
  • the Arkham Horror games are still pretty solid and you know they're fun to play but they are definitely getting to a point where I don't think I can uh like really say that they're practical
  • my tastes were new at that point you know I respected terroriser for its thiness
  • I have definitely developed to want more theme in my games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video XBr7GtuET2o Board Game League playthrough at 1:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8518 · mention_pk 25122
Board Game League - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 1:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Deep, player-driven negotiation and alliance dynamics
  • Strong replayability due to asymmetric alien powers
  • High social engagement and memorable moments during play
Cons
  • Can be chaotic or lengthy due to negotiation cycles
  • Learning curve with many alien abilities and card types
  • Potential for back-and-forth diplomacy to slow game pace
Thematic elements
  • Cosmic dominance through asymmetric powers and negotiated alliances.
  • Galaxy-wide diplomacy and conflict among alien civilizations as they attempt to control colonies on other players' planets.
  • Emergent storytelling driven by player-chosen alien abilities and dynamic negotiations.
Comparison games
  • Captain Sonar
  • Star Wars Unlimited
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Alien powers / asymmetric abilities — Each alien species has a unique special power that can dramatically alter game flow, such as altering combat results, retrieving ships, or reshaping hand/resources.
  • alliances and diplomacy — Players may ally with others in a combat to share strength and then contend with the consequences of those alliances, including potential penalties if deals collapse.
  • Combat resolution with ships, allies, and encounter cards — Attacker commits ships; defender may defend or ally; both sides draw and resolve encounter cards that modify stats, with reinforcement cards potentially swinging outcomes.
  • Destiny deck / encounter resolution — On a turn, flipping the top card of the destiny deck determines the encounter with a specific alien or outcome, driving who you fight and what modifiers apply.
  • Encounter decks and asset manipulation — Encounter cards come in several flavors (base stat boosts, reinforcement, artifacts, flare cards, negotiate cards) that affect combat and strategy.
  • Warp, compensation, and colonization objective — Ships sent to warp may return as compensation or trigger card effects; first player to five colonies on others' planets wins.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Cosmic Encounter is the game of cosmic dominance
  • backstabbing sons of bananas
  • it's final time
  • blood money
  • the game of cosmic dominance
  • enjoy as we play Cosmic Encounter
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video KMbiAp1hn0c Rolls and the Family top_10_list at 32:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8465 · mention_pk 24888
Rolls and the Family - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 32:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • creative interactions and memorable table dynamics
  • huge variety with different alien powers each game
Cons
  • depends heavily on group energy; not everyone's cup of tea
  • older design with some fiddly components
Thematic elements
  • alliances, betrayals, and asymmetric victory conditions
  • space empire diplomacy with alien powers
  • dynamic social negotiation and surprise moments
Comparison games
  • Diplomacy
  • Resistance/Avalon
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • asymmetric_abilities — each alien power changes fundamental rules
  • negotiation — players form agreements that can be broken with lasting impact
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • the box is worn, it is beaten, and yet it is still holding strong
  • you've got to have four people and you have to play it with people that you're going to be able to play with again
  • the tension of those things... I love the stress and the bet of 'is this the right move?'
  • it's the granddaddy of the genre
  • Race for the Galaxy sits the top of the list
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video yUuwZydhYgs The Dice Tower top_10_list at 7:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8417 · mention_pk 24748
The Dice Tower - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 7:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Iconic, social negotiation core
  • Rich thematic flavor
Cons
  • Rules can be dense
  • Downtime with many players
Thematic elements
  • Negotiation and alliances in space
  • Interstellar civilization contest with aliens
  • Open-ended, asymmetric powers and diplomacy
Comparison games
  • Diplomacy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Alliance and betrayal risk — Diplomacy can shift as players negotiate and backstab.
  • Negotiation and treaties — Players bargain, form treaties, or betray to gain advantage.
  • Variable player powers — Each alien race provides unique abilities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Dominion is the greatest deck building game of all time.
  • It's a chess with dice.
  • It's a horse betting simulator for the whole family.
  • The biggest draw of Massive Darkness is that each hero is hugely asymmetric.
  • In Space Base, you have your own fleet of ships that are flying into space to generate cash.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _91V_wy7AJI Board Games 4K top_100_list at 6:57 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8338 · mention_pk 24539
Board Games 4K - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 6:57 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • colorful, chaotic, and highly replayable
  • still in print after decades
Cons
  • balance issues due to many alien powers
  • complex to teach to new players
Thematic elements
  • open-ended negotiation and chaos
  • alien civilizations
  • mish-mash space opera
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • hand management — play cards to replace cards and negotiate outcomes
  • table diplomacy — alliances and backstabbing with unique alien abilities
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • "a dice placement game"
  • "game-breaking special ability"
  • "elevate this game above its competition"
  • "dexterity game"
  • "timer on an app or on a watch"
  • "fantastic dexterity game"
  • "left for dead the board game"
  • "never lost a game"
  • "best played with more players of the six seven players"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qF6KE1Ik_oc Unknown game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7311 · mention_pk 21602
Unknown - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Unique alien powers drive varied gameplay
  • High replayability
  • Memorable game nights and memories
  • Rich social interaction via negotiation and bluffing
Cons
  • Steep learning curve due to asymmetric powers
  • Heavy reliance on negotiation may not appeal to all players
Thematic elements
  • diplomacy, negotiation, alliance-building, and competitive chaos driven by asymmetric powers
  • galactic empire-building with alien races vying for influence by founding colonies across foreign planetary systems
  • player-driven emergent storytelling through conflicts and alliances
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • alliances and negotiation — players form temporary alliances and negotiate outcomes, introducing social dynamics as central gameplay
  • Asymmetric powers — each alien race has a unique advantage that reshapes strategy and interactions with other players
  • bluffing and soft strategy — the game rewards deception and strategic misdirection during negotiations
  • combat resolution — combat outcome is the higher sum of attacking ships plus any power card value and possible reinforcements
  • destiny deck — a deck drawn to determine attack targets and influence battles
  • reinforcements — additional ships or effects can be played during combat resolution to swing outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • cosmic encounter is the most influential game i've ever played
  • the real game is in the unique powers given to your alien race
  • replayability of this game is top notch
  • memories i have are playing cosmic encounter
  • that said for strategy the game is entirely negotiation and bluffing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video rVz5b8lIo7M Unknown Channel general_discussion at 8:49 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7362 · mention_pk 21792
Unknown Channel - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 8:49 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • high social interaction and bluffing
  • strong replayability due to asymmetry
Cons
  • rule clarity can be uneven across expansions
  • game length can drift with negotiation
Thematic elements
  • negotiation, alliances, and asymmetric powers
  • galactic conflict with alien civilizations
  • theatrical and social
Comparison games
  • Seven Wonders Duel
  • Star Wars: Deck-Building Game
  • Nemesis
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • negotiation and asymmetric powers — aliens with unique abilities negotiate alliances and attempt to outmaneuver others
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • start the game with superpowers give each player a starting ability of equal value or let them pick between two
  • simultaneous turns at the start of every round plan as a team then everyone takes their actions and encounters at the same time
  • you paid for the game you better make sure you have fun playing it
  • this small tweak helps to keep the tension without the headache of constant noise building up
  • if this video gets 500 likes we'll dust off that Eldritch Horror house rule video
  • the last game loses and the next one gets picked, adding an extra layer of strategic fun
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 90ekXFQ3auw Unknown Channel top_5_list at 6:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6978 · mention_pk 20662
Unknown Channel - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 6:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • highly asymmetric powers create replayability
  • dynamic negotiation and backstabbing keep players engaged
Cons
  • rules can be complex for new players
  • hidden information can obscure what others will do
Thematic elements
  • Negotiation, backstabbing, and alien powers
  • Space empire politics and diplomacy
Comparison games
  • Cosmic Encounter
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • combat with face-down actions — Players choose attack or negotiation cards without revealing until resolution.
  • hidden negotiation — Encounter cards determine alliance or conflict during a negotiation phase.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • zero downtime
  • tons of interaction
  • cringe shot
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3UuUVgG_sZ8 Board Game Replay general_discussion at 6:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6900 · mention_pk 20445
Board Game Replay - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 6:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • excellent player interaction and replayability
  • strong, iconic theme with lots of talking points
  • diverse powers create varied experiences each game
Cons
  • can run long with multiple players
  • new players may need a quick rules primer
Thematic elements
  • diplomacy, negotiation, power dynamics
  • galactic playground with alien species
  • highly interactive, asymmetric powers driving dramatic shifts
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • alliances and conflicts — alliances are fluid; betrayals and shifting loyalties are common.
  • Asymmetric powers — each alien race has a unique power that can dramatically alter the course of play.
  • dynamic negotiation — players bargain, form temporary alliances, and renegotiate as the tides shift.
  • high interaction — players constantly engage with each other through deals, deals-enforced effects, and counterplay.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's absolutely ridiculous
  • this game is a riot
  • Cosmic Encounter is a great game
  • we're going to do a full playthrough
  • come on by you can probably find us
  • we'll be all over the board game floor
  • I'm dying to get this to the table
  • it's your video and our community
  • we're getting down there Thursday night
  • we want to meet you and play some games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video N2PGh4FA8qU Actual general_discussion at 14:23 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 6767 · mention_pk 20065
Actual - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 14:23 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
  • classic design with strong player interaction
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • alien encounters and negotiation
  • space-themed alien diplomacy
  • social, chaotic, experimental
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Asymmetric abilities — each alien has unique powers affecting negotiation and interaction
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this was such a great entry immediate so easy to pick up and enjoy and it had all the core aspects of modern gaming that i love
  • kickstarter has changed quite a lot
  • the channel takes up all of my time and i worry about releasing quality content for my audience
  • libitalia is the only game that i've played and i know that i love and i don't have that
  • i'm ruthless i tend to get rid of them as soon as i don't want them anymore
  • the big lebowski is a favorite of mine
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video UFqEpkNNnYo Foster the Meeple top_10_list at 11:36 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6538 · mention_pk 19359
Foster the Meeple - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 11:36 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • classic, well-known in the hobby
  • deep social interaction through negotiation
Cons
  • teaching can be challenging for new players
Thematic elements
  • alien diplomacy and negotiation
  • Space-faring alien civilizations
  • mythic, rule-bending
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • hand-management — manage a hand of alien power cards
  • negotiation/alliances — players form temporary alliances and negotiate outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • 1,198 games it's too many
  • 768 that's I don't care what people say that's really good
  • we have 394
  • we're still playing games and taking names
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -gP3XKK37bs Board Game Replay general_discussion at 0:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5839 · mention_pk 17296
Board Game Replay - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:14 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • huge replayability due to 50 base alien races and expansions
  • deep negotiation and player interaction
  • rich combos and bluffing that keep sessions dynamic
Cons
  • steep learning curve and rules overwhelm for new players
  • turns can be lengthy with multiple players and political maneuvering
Thematic elements
  • alliances, betrayal, negotiation, and asymmetric powers
  • Sci‑fi space exploration with alien races negotiating for control of foreign colonies
  • asymmetric, player-driven diplomacy and bluffing with evolving alliances
Comparison games
  • Game of Thrones
  • Kemet
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Alien powers — each player has a unique alien race with one or more special abilities that influence battles and strategy
  • alliances and reinforcement — players can invite allies to a battle; allies provide benefits and can influence outcomes
  • attack/defense with warp — battles are resolved by total ships; losers' ships go to warp and can lead to colony loss
  • cosmic zap — artifact card that can cancel a triggering alien power during a battle
  • Encounter cards — cards chosen by offense/defense players to drive battles, negotiations, or special effects
  • morph cards — copy an opponent's card effect, creating unpredictable round outcomes
  • negotiation — one-minute negotiation window to form deals, trade cards, or exchange colonies
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Cosmic Encounter is a Sci-Fi themed negotiation bluffing space exploration style game
  • a game of infinite possibilities
  • you never play the same game twice
  • not recommended to start this game with it; it might be a little overwhelming
  • the base game comes with 50 alien races
  • Cosmic Zap
  • you never know what's going to happen in a particular game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video BF19rT5QtrI Board Game Replay general_discussion at 7:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4418 · mention_pk 12949
Board Game Replay - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 7:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • classic, highly replayable
  • great for groups who like negotiation-heavy play
Cons
  • older design can show its age
  • scaling with many players may require house rules
Thematic elements
  • Negotiation, alliance-building, and quirky aliens
  • Interstellar civilizations vying for dominance
  • Open-ended with emphasis on diplomacy and strategy
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • negotiation / diplomacy — players negotiate alliances and treaties to gain advantage
  • Variable player powers — each alien race has special abilities influencing strategy
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • i know i had a really awesome time uh it's kind of like my one big man vacation
  • Dead of Winter was great it was everything i'd hoped it would be
  • the crossroads cards you know you're taking your turn and there's this person over across from you or that to your right actually they're reading this crossroad card with a condition that they they just hope that you don't fulfill accidentally
  • best cosplay of pax i think in our opinion king hippo mike tyson's punch oh hands down
  • you guys are awesome the viewers it makes this it makes us happy that we're doing this when you get great feedback like that from you guys
  • happy birthday oh yeah it was my birthday it was on monday
  • that was epic
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wiszMRfZHzA Board Game Geek game_catalog_showcase at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3079 · mention_pk 8967
Board Game Geek - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • science_fiction
  • 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)
  • everybody game your abc's start with a and end with z
  • arkham horror that's a fright
  • b is for battle or there's monsters to fight
  • cosmic encounter that's right
  • fury of dracula he turns into mist she is gone
  • shown clever you'll feel so smart
  • hogwarts battle defend against the dark arts
  • jabberwocky you can't play it alone
  • in that runner they don't make it anymore
  • on mars get a galactic high score
  • paladins for the kingdom
  • quellenberg proportions the best
  • space space if you like your sci-fi
  • viticulture watch those wine grapes get smashed
  • welcome to build a neighborhood
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video haRvIw-42Gk Foster the Meeple top_11_list at 10:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2732 · mention_pk 8019
Foster the Meeple - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 10:58 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • classic space negotiation experience
  • high player interaction
Cons
  • can be chaotic with many players
Thematic elements
  • Alliance-building and diplomacy
  • Space diplomacy and conflict
  • negotiation-driven, asymmetric powers
Comparison games
  • Twilight Imperium
  • Twilight Struggle
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • alliances — temporary treaties with varying effects
  • hand management — players manage cards to activate abilities
  • negotiation — deal with players to form alliances and back-stab others
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's based on the disney movie onward
  • it's a disney theme obviously
  • i'm a sucker for space games especially space exploration games
  • this is a 4x game where i mean you're basically just building out your empire and exploring space
  • this game is adorable and fun and i'm really excited for it
  • cooperative exploration you're on this mysterious seventh continent and you're exploring and placing new tiles
  • winter queen is an abstract game drafting pattern building and set collection
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HDLB2ECYdMc Rolls in the Family top_50_list at 27:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2127 · mention_pk 6237
Rolls in the Family - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 27:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
  • Cosmic Encounter (original)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • We put in the work to rank them; it was a grind but worth it.
  • Shame is the secret word for the entry in case you forgot.
  • This is the first installment; the series only gets better.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video q2pt5mYTUbM Board Game Club playthrough at 0:53 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1305 · mention_pk 3857
Board Game Club - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:53 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • High social interaction and dynamic negotiation
  • Asymmetric powers create varied experience
  • Entertaining bluffing moments
Cons
  • Rule complexity and potential chaotic negotiations
  • Luck-based outcomes and table politics
Thematic elements
  • Diplomacy, negotiation, betrayal, and alliance-building
  • Outer space, multiple alien civilizations and planets
  • Asymmetric powers driven by player interactions
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Alien powers — Each player has a unique special power shaping strategy.
  • Encounters and combat — Turns are resolved via encounters using ships, alliances, and cards.
  • Negotiation and deals — Players bargain, form alliances, bluff, and sometimes backstab.
  • victory conditions — First to five foreign colonies; additional win conditions from powers.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this game is broken
  • love wins
  • the enigmatic losers have proven to be quite cunning in battle
  • gambling is bad
  • it's not going to be strategically sound but I love it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video FDtRBNP1mv0 Noel's Bar playthrough at 2:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 928 · mention_pk 2628
Noel's Bar - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 2:48 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • rich renegotiation dynamics
  • high replayability with alien powers
  • spectacle of interstellar politics
Cons
  • steep learning curve
  • chaos can overwhelm beginners
Thematic elements
  • alien diplomacy, negotiation, and alliance formation
  • interstellar space with alien civilizations
  • episodic, player-led powers, and dynamic alliances
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Alien powers — each player has a unique power that alters combat or interaction rules.
  • colorful ship placement — ships placed on planets to claim influence and trigger battles.
  • combat resolution with cards — attack and defense cards determine outcomes with instantaneous negations and boosts.
  • Negotiation and alliances — players form temporary alliances to achieve wins, often shifting loyalties.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Cosmic Encounter time let's start the first game
  • we are starting with Cosmic Encounter because that is the game that was chosen by our patrons
  • donate you put a little comment with the name of the game
  • the thing is dead
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7TZ9B2Smtr0 Unknown top_100_list at 4:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 722 · mention_pk 2068
Unknown - Cosmic Encounter video thumbnail
Click to watch at 4:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • innovative interaction
  • high replayability
  • iconic status
Cons
  • chaotic / unbalanced
Thematic elements
  • alien races with special abilities
  • space empire conflict
Comparison games
  • Dune
  • Twilight Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • alien abilities — each player has a unique alien race with a special power
  • confrontation / diplomacy — land on opponents’ planets with possible back-and-forth
  • negotiation / alliances — players negotiate and form temporary alliances
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
Top
Showing 1–24 of 24
View on BoardGameGeek