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Description
In SET, each card contains 1-3 objects, with all of the objects on a card having the same color, shape and shading, e.g., two purple shaded ovals. Colors, shapes, and shadings come in three different types: green, purple and red; oval, diamond and squiggle; and solid, shaded and outlined.
All players compete simultaneously and try to claim sets of cards in a single pass through the deck. A set consists of three cards that are either all alike or all different in each attribute. For example, if all three cards have the same number of objects, but three different shapes, shadings, and colors, then those cards are a set; if two of the cards have a common attribute that is not shared by the third, they are not a set.
To play, one person takes the deck and lays out twelve cards face up. The first person to spot a set collects those three cards; if the player was mistaken, then this player cannot claim a set until after another player has done so. After someone has claimed a set, the cardholder lays out three more cards. (If all players agree that no sets can be claimed, then the cardholder lays out three more cards. These cards aren't replaced after someone claims a set.) Whoever claims the most sets wins!
Year Published
1988
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 13
This page: 13
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–13 of 13
Video hbo9BZ_P0Qs
Buy This, Not That analysis at 6:18 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62512 · mention_pk 155164
Click to watch at 6:18 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Highly thematic with integrated space exploration workflow
- Rotating board and data-driven sector rewards
- Good scalability and enjoyable solo play
Cons
- Publisher/designer details not explicit in transcript; potential data gaps
- Early game can feel restrained until techs unlock
Thematic elements
- space exploration; alien discovery; data analysis; tech upgrades
- Space exploration with modular subsystems and rotating board
- Array
Comparison games
- Terraforming Mars
- Ark Nova
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The complexity emerges from thousands of card interaction permutations.
- The game's end condition creates fascinating tension.
- There's almost no downtime because everyone's always planning ahead.
- The rotation system adds dynamic, strategic depth.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GYX9nO_zjAY
Ryan and Bethany Board Game Reviews game_review at 5:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62250 · mention_pk 154763
Click to watch at 5:14 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- cool concept that uses time as a resource
- accessible for new players
- compact design with unique hook
Cons
- randomness can influence outcome unpredictably
Thematic elements
- time travel mechanics via an airship path
- Time/clock-themed micro-game
- clockwork and whimsical
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Time track — Move an airship around a clock, landing on times to gain cards.
- time-track movement — Move an airship around a clock, landing on times to gain cards.
- timing-based drafting — Take tiles based on time already elapsed; efficiency matters.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- eight full board games in this one little pouch
- this set is absolutely brilliant absolutely genius
- we were blown away with how much you can do in such a little package
- the cards are two-sided one is positive one is negative feel upside down
- in Sly you're drafting these cards face down into the hen house
- this is a horse racing game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 04aJI9oFNns
Get into Games on Air top_10_list at 24:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61678 · mention_pk 154343
Click to watch at 24:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
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)
- The podcast life chooses you.
- The content gods that making all the content.
- Pub Meeple is a website that you can link your board game collection.
- Return to Dark Tower is uh I want to play this game more often than we do.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video JfGO4JT1CgI
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61422 · mention_pk 154093
Click to watch at 0:03 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Easy to teach, accessible for families and kids
- Unique card design with visually appealing fish motifs
- Engaging take-that tension without overpowering interaction
- Replayability through variable displays and player counts
- Affordable price point (generally under $10)
Cons
- Slippery cards can be challenging to shuffle and handle
- End-game optimization can require careful planning; some nuance may be subtle for casual players
Thematic elements
- Pattern fulfillment, visibility scoring, and light competitive interaction through take-that elements
- Abstract aquatic puzzle displays used for pattern scoring and visibility at the end of the game
- Procedural abstract puzzle with scoring emphasis on end-state display patterns
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card placement — Players choose one of three cards from their hand and place it into any display, influencing patterns and opponents.
- Component flavor and balance — Fish cards have color patterns and cutouts that impact handling and visual scoring dynamics.
- Display management and locking — Displays become full and locked, constraining future placements and shaping risk/reward decisions.
- End-game scoring by displays — At game end, each display's configuration yields points based on the visible fish and completed patterns.
- hand management — On a turn, a player holds three cards and selects one to play, guiding pacing and strategy.
- Pattern Building — Completing objective cards in a display yields points when the display is scored.
- pattern fulfillment — Completing objective cards in a display yields points when the display is scored.
- Shuffling difficulty — The physical cards are slippery due to cutouts, which can complicate shuffling and handling.
- Take-that interaction — A player can place to hinder or block another player's patterns by altering displays.
- variable player counts — The number of active displays changes with player count, affecting strategy and space.
- Variable Set-up: Player — The number of active displays changes with player count, affecting strategy and space.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is from Synapsis's games and I really enjoy their pyramido games.
- So, in this game you are trying to fulfill patterns and have the most of your fish visible in different displays at the end of the game.
- there definitely is take that.
- On your turn, you will have three in your hand at any given time.
- It's the puzzle to figure out where can I place my fish to maximize things.
- I am really enjoying this one.
- It generally goes for under $10, so that's also a great option.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video RHGDyEfwEnE
Allies or Enemies top_10_list at 11:07 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61047 · mention_pk 153463
Click to watch at 11:07 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong integration of real science concepts
- tight resource systems with interesting integration points
Cons
- theme may feel abstract to some players
- potentially heavy for newcomers
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- alien interactions shifting gameplay — alien discoveries alter strategy and timing in later stages.
- Resource management — focus on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence through probes, signals, and alien encounters.
- science-driven resource management — focus on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence through probes, signals, and alien encounters.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a pretty simple game cuz you're just drafting a thing a card or a tile and then you're adding that to your tableau, but every time you add something it kind of triggers a bunch of other little things and turns are super quick
- there are so many dice that are used and so many different things that you can do with those dice that it never feels like a wasted turn
- this is one of those games that feels like you feel like you've played something, it's like an event
- the mechanism where you've got a bunch of different cards that are your action cards when you play them everyone else gets to do that action but you get to do a slightly better version of that action
- it's based on the novel Red Planet apparently
- these Transformer Dice... it's such a clever mechanism
- Gaia Project is one of my all-time favorite games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video X8WjYtJbqt8
analysis at 1:19 sentiment: positive
video_pk 59452 · mention_pk 152009
Click to watch at 1:19 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Better player interaction than Arnak
- Flexible deck with multi-use cards enabling varied strategies
- Persistent tech upgrades and asymmetry; sense of progression
- Three modules encourage different paths
Cons
- Complexity from multiple interacting modules
- Potential rule-reading friction with aliens' behaviors
- Early game scaling can be uneven if not optimized
Thematic elements
- Resource management, engine-building, alien tracks
- Space exploration, alien discovery, data analysis
- Sandbox with modular expansion via aliens
Comparison games
- Lost Ruins of Arnak
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Controlling spaces and managing data to score points and advance alien traces.
- Area control / planet scoring — Controlling spaces and managing data to score points and advance alien traces.
- Data scanning and data tokens — Scanning action produces data tokens that feed your computer for points and resources.
- deck-building / multi-use cards — Cards can be discarded for free actions, tucked to invest in engine, or played as core actions with credits.
- engine building — Permanent upgrades on your board to improve actions and scoring.
- Engine-building via tech tiles — Permanent upgrades on your board to improve actions and scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's spectacular
- this is an incredible upgrade over base arnac
- the aliens for me are icing on the cake
- one of my favorite games of all time
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video lnrEDhe3j3I
Unknown Channel playthrough at 4:59 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 42959 · mention_pk 130674
Click to watch at 4:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
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)
- Bollocks.
- This is a Splatter game that got a reprint a few years ago.
- I'll probably jump off a [ __ ] bridge or something.
- Stop [ __ ] lying.
- I'll personally come around your house with a slapstick and whack you around the head.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video P5VPPIZ7iuY
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 35852 · mention_pk 152299
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rich and expansive decision space that rewards forward planning
- Brain-burning challenge described as highly appealing for groups with patience
- Strong sense of intellectual stimulation and group engagement
- Clear enthusiasm from the speaker, signaling a compelling experience for the right audience
- Perceived depth that invites long-term play and discussion among players
Cons
- High cognitive demand may alienate casual players or impatient groups
- Potential for analysis paralysis if players overthink multiple options
- Requires a patient group dynamic to fully appreciate the complexity
Thematic elements
- Decision-making under high cognitive load, strategic planning, and collaboration within a space-science frame
- Outer space exploration environment focused on signal detection and resource management
- Analytical and evaluative discussion of design elegance and intellectual challenge
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The beauty in SETI lies in its decision space.
- space. You have so many ways to stretch out your turn.
- It's a brain burner in the best way.
- If you can handle that, or if your group has the patience for it, then go for it.
- STI is incredible. I have very much been enjoying my time with this game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NKQgKz-gQcM
Board Gaming Doctor game_review at 0:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31758 · mention_pk 93563
Click to watch at 0:50 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Outstanding thematic integration; cards and components feel purposeful and space-themed
- The central rotating board adds dynamic tension and pushes interaction
- High replayability via a large deck of cards and varied aliens/endgame goals
- Well-implemented solo mode that mirrors multiplayer gameplay
- Strong sense of progression and race for milestones, data, and taxes
- Engaging interaction for area control around stars and competitive scoring
Cons
- Lengthy play sessions can lead to downtime, especially with higher player counts
- Resource constraints can be tight, causing occasional perceived imbalance
- First-time learning curve is steeper than some comparable games
- Not as tight a skill ceiling as Ark Nova or Terraforming Mars; a few players may crave deeper optimization
- Aliens in the base game could be expanded for greater variety (future content would help)
Thematic elements
- Space exploration, alien discovery, data-driven science
- Solar System exploration and data gathering to search for signs of life
- Open-ended, data-driven exploration with rotating central board and alien encounters
Comparison games
- Lost Runes of arnac
- Arc Nova
- Terraforming Mars
- Newford
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — A wide array of actions per turn (8–plus variants) plus several free actions; players optimize sequences to maximize efficiency.
- Alien boards / endgame bonuses — Flipping alien boards mid-game adds endgame bonuses and scoring opportunities.
- Card play / hand management — Cards provide multi-use capabilities and synergize with tech and actions to enable efficient progression.
- Data/scan points — Scanning the sky yields data points that can be placed on your board to score points later.
- end game bonuses — Flipping alien boards mid-game adds endgame bonuses and scoring opportunities.
- Player Board | Main Board — Probes move around a solar system board with competition for planets, moons, stars, and data spots.
- Probes and area interaction — Probes move around a solar system board with competition for planets, moons, stars, and data spots.
- Rotating central board — As the game progresses, the central board rotates, altering probe positions and action outcomes.
- tech development — Technologies are acquired to ease actions and unlock stronger combinations.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The central board is fantastic and one of my favorite parts of the game.
- SETI is very thematic; it reminds me of Terraforming Mars in how it captures space exploration vibes.
- The game is very replayable with a large deck of cards and the alien content.
- The solo mode is well implemented and simulates the multiplayer experience nicely.
- The decisions you have on each turn are very variable and open-ended.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video C90f6uX7wRA
Unknown top_10_list at 3:07 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13336 · mention_pk 93689
Click to watch at 3:07 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Intricate gameplay
- Multiple award-winning
- Unique alien discovery mechanism
Cons
- Complicated setup
Thematic elements
- Alien discovery
- Space exploration
- Euro game
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hidden victory points — Scoring points through alien research
- Probe Launching — Exploring planets and gathering information
- Victory Point Collection — Scoring points through alien research
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Let's talk about the hottest and most popular board games right now.
- We're going to rank them in two categories: how well we liked the game or how badly we want to play it.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NYzir6BpqgE
Dice Tower top_10_list at 3:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12843 · mention_pk 109268
Click to watch at 3:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- satisfying base game
- potential with expansion
Cons
- desire for more aliens/variety in expansions
Thematic elements
- probing QUADRANTS, alien encounters
- space exploration and alien contact
- procedural discovery and exploration
Comparison games
- Terraforming Mars: Prelude (expansion analogy)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — probing and exploring quadrants with exploration-driven scoring
- exploration/area control — probing and exploring quadrants with exploration-driven scoring
- hand management — managing probes and events to optimize outcomes
- set/hand management — managing probes and events to optimize outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Itto is one of the best party games ever made. It is a Dice Tower essential.
- Message from the Stars is such a great deduction game. I got a chance to teach it again recently and it just blows people's minds every time.
- I love this theme of the psychotherapists... it's so good, so rewarding.
- Rainbow has this fantastic mix of For Sale where you're trying to win different trenches of cards in the middle of the table—the depth is remarkable for such a tiny box.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8WbbcwmgvEM
Stonemire Games top_10_list at 7:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8281 · mention_pk 110724
Click to watch at 7:02 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Clever integration of alien encounters into core mechanics
- High replay variability due to alien combinations
- Rules learning woven into gameplay rather than as a separate tutorial
Cons
- Learning curve can be steep for new players
- Asymmetry adds complexity that may slow down first plays
Thematic elements
- astrobiology, exploration, discovery
- Science-focused alien life exploration
- mechanism-driven surprise with asymmetry
Comparison games
- Star Wars: The Deck-Building Game
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetric aliens — Two aliens hidden in the game influence rules and interactions, changing each playthrough.
- On-the-fly rule discovery — Aliens require players to learn/adapt new rules mid-game as they are encountered.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Metal Gear Solid, without getting into spoilers, those who have played the original Metal Gear Solid on PlayStation 1 back in the '9s may be asking, how did they adapt that particular boss encounter from the video game to a tabletop experience? Isn't that impossible?
- I wear a huge grin on my face every time I think of that encounter.
- Meadow is a sweet game of set collection with a really interesting action selection system. The thing that really surprised me about it is the extra envelopes with additional cards to open at specific moments.
- There are lots of hidden clues on unexpected components in Unlock. I think escape room games in general do surprises really, really well in a non-campaign format.
- Jar says, 'When you purchase or play Jar Binks, you may spend two resources to gain one force and place him in your opponent's discard pile.'
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video AdLxZju6SJU
Game Night Pick top_10_list at 12:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5364 · mention_pk 110788
Click to watch at 12:58 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong asymmetry adds replayability
- expansion content broadens options
Cons
- complex for new players
- steeper setup for multiple players
Thematic elements
- space exploration and data-driven discovery
- scientific institutions scanning the cosmos for alien signals
- asymmetrical organization with real-world inspirations
Comparison games
- Terraforming Mars
- Gaia Project
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric teams — distinct starting conditions and abilities for each faction
- asymmetrical organizations — distinct starting conditions and abilities for each faction
- exploration / data gathering — discovering exoplanets and alien life through actions
- project cards — a large pool of projects inspires varied strategies
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hours of epic exploration and a world waiting to be discovered from the comfort of our own home planet
- cooperative fight against superpowered villains
- This is currently the number one ranked game on Board Game Geek
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–13 of 13