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Description
A game of Eclipse places you in control of a vast interstellar civilization, competing for success with its rivals. You explore new star systems, research technologies, and build spaceships with which to wage war. There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy according to the strengths and weaknesses of your species, while paying attention to the other civilizations' endeavors.
Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy is a revised and upgraded version of the Eclipse base game that debuted in 2011 that features:
New graphic design, while maintaining the acclaimed symbology of the first edition
A full line of Ship Pack 1 miniatures
New miniatures for ancients, GCDS, orbitals, and more
Custom plastic inlays
Custom combat dice
Fine-tuned gameplay
Year Published
2020
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 15
This page: 15
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–15 of 15
Video sZpPdWINZY0
The Discriminating Gamer top_10_list at 12:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13303 · mention_pk 39006
Click to watch at 12:35
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great-looking minis and ships
- strong space combat and strategic depth
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- economic euro with space combat and exploration
- Galactic civilizations with strategic space warfare and diplomacy
- space-operatic, broad-scale empire-building
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cube/resource tracking — quasi-euro mechanics with resource cubes driving growth
- Expansion and conquest in a euro framework — economic engine combined with tactical expansion
- space combat — combat with customizable ships and dice-like resolution
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Forbidden Stars is a great 4X game where you are the various factions from Warhammer 40k.
- The game is beautiful. You have these tiles that have the different planets and whatnot on there. You've got these minis that are these beautiful spaceships and tanks and forces.
- I love it. I think it's a fantastic game.
- this game more than anything, I would say is probably a take that game with the card playing stuff.
- it's a great civilization building game, but it would be a great civilization building game even if it wasn't Star Trek.
- it's absolutely 4X because again you are exploring.
- you are laying down warp lanes and you're actually laying down these like lanes that you do to travel to different planets and you're laying down the different planets and exploring them and then you're trying to take them over and build up your resources.
- Twilight Imperium is my number one.
- it's a grand epic space adventure. Again, you got a mountain of cards. You've got tons of plastic. I freaking love Twilight Imperium.
- this is a show. It's like a movie. It's like a book.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -cbmt0gD6Nc
Latvian Board Gaming Channel top_10_list at 4:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12820 · mention_pk 37425
Click to watch at 4:47
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique ship building mechanic
- Euro game with combat
- Territory control
- Space theme
Cons
- Can be hard to afford many actions
Thematic elements
- Space civilization with conflict
- Space exploration
- 4X space game
Comparison games
- Star Wars: Rebellion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Each action increases upkeep cost
- Euro with Combat — Victory points from multiple sources including fighting
- ship customization — Build and customize your own ships with technology
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Board Game Geeks top 100 sometimes feels like random people voting random stuff
- This is the way by two random people from Latvia
- Your mind feels like a fog after playing Spirit Island
- Frodo really doesn't want to destroy ring at the end he's like nah I'll go home
- It's a fine game it's super boring it just the same thing over and over
- Wrongfully not in the top 20 yet
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VXU06-fkxEo
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 2:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11766 · mention_pk 34498
Click to watch at 2:24
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- rich thematic scope
- deep strategic decisions
Cons
- complex rules
- long setup and playtime
Thematic elements
- space conquest and exploration
- space 4X civilization expansion
- space opera, long-term strategic development
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4X work-alike mechanics — explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through modular systems
- deck-building — cards drive actions and events to influence play pace
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's the most addictive deck builder that I ever played
- it's a two-player war game where you have a map you have your own troops
- the greatest thing in this game is the Tableau
- aliens can kill you
- you can't trust the others
- it's the Lord of the Rings In The Box, I love it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NbiFcenxYTY
Cardboard Herald analysis at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11495 · mention_pk 33808
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high degree of player agency and strategic latitude
- elegant core loop of action selection and resource management
- asymmetric faction design and tech progression
- modernized presentation in the new edition without losing identity
Cons
- not for everyone due to complexity and potential luck factor
- combat can be dice-influenced and some players experience 'risky' stands
- heavy setup and rules overhead compared to lighter games
Thematic elements
- asymmetric power development and interstellar conflict, with a cold-war pacing between players
- A galactic civilization space opera where rival factions explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate across a customizable map.
- procedural, emergent from player choices and tech trees
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Players choose actions from a rotating action selection mechanic, dictating timing and resource use.
- asymmetric factions — Different starting techs and persistent effects strongly influence strategy.
- explore, expand, exploit, exterminate — The core 4x framework where players explore space, establish colonies, harvest resources, and engage in combat.
- Resource management — Income from planets, science, and materials fuels expansion and upgrades.
- ship customization and combat — Each faction has ships with upgrade paths, dice-based combat with meaningful on-hit probability adjustments.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the core gameplay is action selection and resource management
- an incredibly beautiful and unique complexity of the game
- Eclipse remains one of my absolute favorite games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1KoFar5WVnw
Latvian Board Gaming Channel top_10_list at 7:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11254 · mention_pk 33097
Click to watch at 7:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Euro-esque hybrid game
- Lots of fighting
- Wife really likes it
Cons
- Wife gets her ass whooped in it
Thematic elements
- Space races building and fighting
- Space exploration
- 4X space game
Comparison games
- Bitoku
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4X — Explore, expand, exploit, exterminate
- Dice combat — Lots of fighting with dice rolling
- economy — Resource management and technology
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Does your wife ever tell you what to do all the time especially what board games to play
- My wife loves games where she beats your ass
- This was the game we took to the hospital when my son was born
- I'm afraid for the calendar its days are numbered
- What does a sprinter eat before a race? Nothing, they fast
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video nUv3LH1Il2I
Unknown (Channel analysis needed) top_10_list sentiment: positive
video_pk 10695 · mention_pk 31576
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Good Euro game mechanics
- Space theme with conflict
- Customizable ships
- Strong faction interaction
- Good dice mechanics
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Space exploration
- Faction conflict
- Science fiction
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- there's so many games you will never have time to play all of them
- thematically it's so well represents the theme it feels amazing
- it's one of the most unique designs I've ever played
- don't trust your friends
- every time you win or lose you always feel satisfied about with this game because this is what I build
- what else you want from board games got good times and good stories
- it's Simplicity is what amazes me
- one of my favorite games because of the experiences it gives you
- no two games were the same which I really loved about it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video tLnnELnfliA
Cardboard Herald top_10_list at 48:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9971 · mention_pk 29370
Click to watch at 48:52
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- color-coded tubs for players with dedicated spaces for resources
- the insert exemplifies high-functionality and visual elegance
Cons
- base price considerations due to premium packaging
Thematic elements
- tech advancement, exploration, and fleet expansion
- outer space empire-building
- grand strategy
Comparison games
- Wasteland Express
- Dice Throne
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4X-style engine-building with modular upgrades — players upgrade ships and colonies using tiles and tech upgrades
- dedicated player trays and color-coded tubs — personal inserts separate shared components and map tiles for ease of play
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- everything to me has sort of built around and built off of wasteland express
- this tub which is color coded to the player pieces
- the insert has transformed what is the absolute worst aspect of this game and made it this beautiful premium
- sleeving is a hobbyist mentality
- open like a feast as soon as you open the box
- the central basin allows you to get everything successfully into the box and the lid closes
- box mapping removes all inserts
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video tLnnELnfliA
Cardboard Herald top_10_list at 48:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9971 · mention_pk 29374
Click to watch at 48:52
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- personalized inserts improve setup speed and reduce misplacement
- clear organization supports quick access during play
Cons
- premium packaging may raise price expectations
Thematic elements
- tech development, exploration, and conflict
- space-based empire-building
- grand-scale strategy
Comparison games
- Wasteland Express
- Dune: Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- integrated personal inserts — color-coded tubs for player components and dedicated spaces for resources
- tiles and upgrades / resource management — players upgrade tech, manage resources and fleets, and compete for space
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- everything to me has sort of built around and built off of wasteland express
- this tub which is color coded to the player pieces
- the insert has transformed what is the absolute worst aspect of this game and made it this beautiful premium
- sleeving is a hobbyist mentality
- open like a feast as soon as you open the box
- the central basin allows you to get everything successfully into the box and the lid closes
- box mapping removes all inserts
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video MvlhKHum9vQ
Unknown game_review at 0:06 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 8296 · mention_pk 24316
Click to watch at 0:06
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Epic scope delivered in a streamlined, playable package
- Engaging ship customization with varied roles
- Impressive presentation and storage solutions on the table
- Influence mechanics effectively constrain empire growth
Cons
- Tech tray becomes a focal point of attention and can slow play
- Long, confrontational sessions may deter shorter-game players
- Requires additional reference materials or home-made summaries for ease of play
Thematic elements
- Exploration, conquest, diplomacy, technological advancement
- Interstellar empire-building in a space opera galaxy
- Epic strategic focus with streamlined mechanics
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium 4
- Empires of the Void 2
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Controlling regions and tiles to gain points and resources from the board.
- Combat speed order — Ships attack in speed order during combat; outcomes depend on dice and tech.
- Dice combat — Combat uses dice of varying strength; tech and computers modify hit thresholds.
- Exploration and warp gates — Explore to uncover tiles and align them via warp gates to connect regions.
- Influence system — Place and manage influence tokens to control actions and tiles, with costs increasing over turns.
- Resource management — Three resources (production, research, money) that drive income and actions.
- Ship building / monoliths / orbital stations — Spend production to place ships and install structures that influence board control.
- Tech tree / upgrades — Research tech tiles and equip ships with special capabilities to shape strategy.
- tile placement — Revealing and orienting new tiles as you explore, integrating with core warp gate connections.
- Turn structure and actions — Six core actions: Explore, Research, Equip, Build, Move, Influence; sequence drives economy.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Eclipse promised to bring an epic 4x space game to the table that crammed in a huge amount of exploration, research and conflict into a manageable play time
- it presents a streamlined and manageable 4x experience without bloat
- upgrading your ships is a pure joy
- the best thing about the game is the influence system
- however my main complaints revolve around the tech tray
- it's still a long confrontational game not for folks who want a short game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Y7DxW-EB0So
Cardboard Herald top_10_list at 4:25 sentiment: negative
video_pk 5478 · mention_pk 16323
Click to watch at 4:25
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
- large scope and ambition
Cons
- aliens feel generic
- not as interesting as it could be
- late-stage design choices can feel derivative
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — players vie for space regions and influence.
- combat resolution — conflicts resolved through dice and planning.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these are my top 10 favorite games of all time
- i want to play spirit island not spreadsheet island
- the expansions do the same right you know cheap components but have great design
- we have done it yes we have hit 5 000 subscribers
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1kWAa1fLsrk
Going Analog general_discussion at 3:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5335 · mention_pk 15867
Click to watch at 3:43
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- rich theme
- solid engineering
- great production
Cons
- long playtime
- complex rules
Thematic elements
- 4X strategy
- space opera, galaxy exploration
- epic, tech-driven
Comparison games
- Gaia Project
- Twilight Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) — Players explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate in a shifting galaxy.
- action selection — Players choose actions to perform during rounds.
- fleet building — Build fleets to explore and fight.
- Tech Tree — Develop your civilization with technologies.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- sanity
- you are hundred percent in this so far
- the components are great
- cloud nine
- it's an epic, but heavy
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gS2VvLI09JQ
top_10_list at 11:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1490 · mention_pk 4315
Click to watch at 11:24
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- space-themed depth
- hybrid euro/ameritrash feel
Cons
- can be lengthy to play
Thematic elements
- space strategy with tech trees and planetary development
- space exploration and empire-building
- space opera with competitive and sandbox elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area influence / combat — control sectors and engage in space battles
- engine-building — developing a civilization through tech and production choices
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- in this video we're each gonna pick our 10 best board games of all time in our honest humble opinions objective opinions so it's complete truth
- it's my favorite Story game
- the best work replacement deck building, like combination, I have played
- it's a really feel good game a massive game that feels light
- the most thematic game I think in my top 10 just surviving horror sci-fi
- Twilight Imperium is a historic epic
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video N2MTuvjhc8k
Adam Porter analysis at 15:31 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 1475 · mention_pk 4261
Click to watch at 15:31
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- Bold, space-opera vibe with striking central motif
Cons
- Abstract enough that the cover doesn't tell a specific story
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)
- It's iconic. It is at least eye-catching; it's a classic.
- The box should tell us what we're doing in the game and how we're going to feel.
- This is top-notch stuff.
- I actually just ordered my copy, so this is obviously working for me.
- The cover sells the game, it screams what you're going to do.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5F57dkO-nAk
Cardboard Herald top_10_list at 8:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1372 · mention_pk 4005
Click to watch at 8:43
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great production
- streamlined organization for a big game
- rich 4X experience
Cons
- complex and long
Thematic elements
- galactic expansion
- space exploration and conquest
- grand strategy
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- 4X space strategy — exploration, expansion, exploitation, extermination
- combat and interactions — fleet combat and diplomacy
- tech upgrade and engine building — tech tree and engine building
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- probably my favorite race game of all time
- the most gorgeous games to ever grace a table
- i adore castles of burgundy it's so good
- spirit island is my favorite game of all time
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NK4I0M4aW7Q
Going Analog general_discussion at 2:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 759 · mention_pk 2219
Click to watch at 2:59
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Huge sense of epic scale and customization
- Deep strategic planning with meaningful ship upgrade choices
- Impressive table presence and thematic cohesion
Cons
- Long playtime and steep learning curve
- Complex rules can be daunting for new players
Thematic elements
- 4X conquest with ship customization and tech progression
- Galactic space, hex-based exploration and conquest across a modular galaxy
- Epic sci-fi, strategic diplomacy and combat in a sprawling galaxy
Comparison games
- Twilight Imperium
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Players vie for control of sectors on a hex map to expand influence and posture.
- asymmetric factions — Different factions bring unique abilities and starting conditions.
- combat and fleet management — Engagements are strategic, with battlefield decisions and fleet composition shaping outcomes.
- ship customization — Blueprints allow shared hull types to be augmented with weapons, shields, and modules.
- tech research and upgrades — Players research technologies and purchase components to outfit ships and fleets.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- man I love a pretty nature game
- the rule set is so easy that it's easy to bring new players into the hobby
- Canvas is such a pretty game
- the cards are transparent and layered to form three-dimensional art
- I like the singular rule books that combine everything into one booklet
- nature games are a tired genre for me, but Ever Bloom tries something different
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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