/pic8160466.jpg)
Collection Status
Your Rating
Description
In SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, a eurogame for 1–4 players, you lead a scientific institution tasked with searching for traces of life beyond planet Earth. The game draws inspiration from current or emerging technologies and efforts in space exploration.
Players will explore nearby planets and their moons by launching probes from Earth while taking advantage of ever-shifting planetary positions. Decide whether to land on their surface to collect valuable samples, or stay in orbit for a broader survey. Additionally, by directing your telescopes to gaze into distant star systems, you may detect traces of alien signals or undiscovered exoplanets, and collect promising data to examine and study back home.
Back on Earth, you can invest in upgrading your equipment so you can analyze incoming data more efficiently, boost your telescope signal capacity, or increase your supply of resources—all to expand the scope of your search that could lead to a discovery of extraterrestrial life forms.
You will also make use of over 200 cards to aid your efforts or focus your research in a particular direction for additional bonuses and rewards. Each card has unique effects and illustrations and depicts real-life technologies, projects, and discoveries (like the ISS, Large Hadron Collider, Perseverance rover, Voyager probe, and many more).
Finding traces of extraterrestrial life is only a matter of time—utilize the resources you have at your disposal strategically and you may well end up being the one to make the biggest scientific contribution towards advancing our understanding of alien life within our galaxy.
SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence pays homage to space and planetary exploration, astronomy, the ongoing search for signs of life in the vastness of space, and efforts to understand the nature of life in the universe.
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2024
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 9
This page: 9
Sentiment:
pos 9 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–9 of 9
Video DBveL_yUoQM
War Game Garden top_10_list at 34:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 40027 · mention_pk 120997
Click to watch at 34:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- mini-games add variety and flavor
- cooperative-but-tight decision space
Cons
- heavy and sprawling
Thematic elements
- coop-intrigue and discovery
- space exploration with aliens
- brainy and ambitious
Comparison games
- Hadrian's Wall
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative exploration — unlock aliens and mini-games by collaboration
- moving galaxy board — dynamic solar-system map that changes with play
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Creature Caravan is absolutely wonderful
- these expansions add a little bit more player interaction which I think is absolutely amazing
- I think this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing games I've played
- Beyond the Sun is space-themed
- Fromage is truly just a really great game
- MOS: Dawn of the Bronze Age is absolutely wonderful
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SNUeeAIx9qY
Totally Tabled general_discussion at 0:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 37316 · mention_pk 112084
Click to watch at 0:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong thematic integration with an orbit-based system
- Alien discovery mechanics add depth and variability
- Well-designed AI bot with adaptive behavior
- Multi-use cards provide flexibility and synergy
- Solo objectives give clear goals and pacing
Cons
- Aliens do not dramatically alter the base game, which feels like a missed opportunity
- Planets are not highly distinct; potential for greater variability
- Scanning action is fiddly and token-heavy, especially for lower player counts
- Game length is long, especially for two players; may require expansions or session planning
Thematic elements
- Extraterrestrial intelligence, exploration, and resource management.
- Solar system map with three rings orbiting the sun; space exploration theme.
- Emergent storytelling through alien discoveries and strategic planning.
Comparison games
- Civolution
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- AI bot progression — The AI opponent gets stronger over time, using specialized cards based on revealed aliens to challenge the player.
- Alien discovery and scoring — Revealing alien species provides new scoring options and actions, creating evolving strategies each game.
- Data scanning / AI scanning action — Scanning actions generate data tokens to support AI/opponent; tokens and markers add complexity; adjustments may be made via house rules.
- Multi-use cards — Cards can be spent for a resource, tucked for an extra objective, or paid to perform a special action; some cards offer additional end-game objectives.
- Orbital movement / space-time management — Player actions influence probe movement along a solar-system map with rotating rings; timing of moves adds tension and strategic planning.
- Planet landing and planet-specific rewards — Landing on different planets grants special abilities and rewards, with some planets offering unique bonuses or moons.
- Solo objectives — Dedicated solo objectives provide a track and end-game movement for the solo opponent, guiding player decisions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I love the game. It's a fantastic, you know, medium to mediumheavy weight Euro game.
- I actually think the theme really comes through and the thematic integration here is really good.
- it's the perfect fulfillment of the theme.
- It's such a cool idea that you don't see in a lot of other games and it's the perfect fulfillment of the theme.
- The AI bot here is extremely well done, easy to manage.
- It's really the glue that's holding everything together, bringing out all of that theme.
- SETI for me at this point is definitely one of the best games to come out in 2024.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YgLpB-FtXEM
Doly TBL top_10_list at 14:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 36877 · mention_pk 149418
Click to watch at 14:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
highly positive
Pros
- from CGE; trusted publisher with a strong track record
- high conceptual appeal with real science inspiration
Cons
- unknown exact solo/ multiplayer balance until reviewed more deeply
Thematic elements
- astronomical exploration and signal detection
- scientific search for life beyond Earth
- science-forward, methodical research approach
Comparison games
- Galileo Galilee
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card/ action synergy across planets and moons — manipulating telescope focus, probe placement, and signal discovery
- medium-heavy Euro exploration — cards/turns exploring planets, launching probes, and telescope-based actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's an Allstar cast of designers led by Antoine Boza of Seven Wonders and ghost stories Fame
- absolutely my most anticipated game of the year
- Slay the Spire the board game is incredible
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8Oeqy9jZQPo
top_10_list at 0:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 34277 · mention_pk 151245
Click to watch at 0:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Thematic mystery and discovery
- Cooperative tension with a shared goal
Cons
- May depend on player teamwork and communication
- Mechanics could feel abstract without clear guidance
Thematic elements
- exobiology / search for life
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative_exploration — Players work together to explore and discover extraterrestrial life hints.
- deduction — Interpret clues to identify life signatures and possible discoveries.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- These are my top 10 Udemy board games
- for number ten, I have Bus, a wacky but mean worker placement game.
- For number nine, I have Scythe, an engine building game.
- For number eight, I have Necoima, a much better version of Jenga.
- For number seven, I have Tea Garden, a hand management game with beautiful artwork.
- For number six, I have Mountain Goats, a push your luck racing game.
- For number five, I have Rebel Princess, a trick-T game with asymmetric abilities.
- For number four, I have Andromeda's Edge, a worker placement game, but with a lot of things going on, but it's so much fun.
- For number three, I have Wingspan. You guys know what this is at this point.
- For number two, I have Distilled, where you're making whiskey in this game.
- for number one, I have STI, where you're trying to find extraterrestrial life.
- And this game is beautiful.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video uSyXuX5-m0o
Totally Tabled playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 30372 · mention_pk 89407
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging solo play with clear objective tracking
- Multi-use cards provide flexibility and strategic choice
- Strong space exploration theme with tangible discoveries
Cons
- Rule complexity can be intimidating for new players
- Pacing can slow during setup and some late-game steps
Thematic elements
- Space exploration, data gathering, discovery of alien life
- Solar system exploration and life search
- Array
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven actions — Use cards for actions, with middle actions and free actions by discarding.
- Orbit/landing and rotation — Wheels rotate to advance actions; probes can orbit or land on bodies.
- Probes and data tokens — Probes start on Earth; data tokens populate a computer and sectors.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I will teach the game as I play, just like I always do.
- This whole middle part of the board is made up of three different pieces that spin. Right?
- Now we have 16 points, which means we have completed this objective.
- The anomalies Three enormous, highly reflective objects have been discovered in our solar system.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ehPnJ0qKRls
Before You Play game_review sentiment: positive
video_pk 13716 · mention_pk 40067
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique gameplay experience
- Evolving game mechanics
- Interesting alien discovery process
- Complex strategic depth
Cons
- Long game length
- Tight resources in early rounds
- Steep learning curve
- Less engaging at two players
Thematic elements
- Alien research
- Space exploration
- Scientific discovery
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Scanning and controlling solar system sectors
- Multi-use cards — Cards with multiple potential actions
- Resource management — Managing credits, energy, and data
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- We are trying to play through as many or all of the games that we have in our possession that were released last year
- It's a game where everybody is contributing to the same board
- Just enough to enjoy it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video X2HhvTKNlNI
Brothers Murphus top_10_list at 6:44 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12853 · mention_pk 37554
Click to watch at 6:44 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- In top 50 games overall
- Flying up top 100
- Excellent design
- Compelling gameplay
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Expansion coming
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Searching for extraterrestrial life
- Space exploration
- Science fiction discovery
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Management — Simple actions with payment of credits/energy
- Probe Management — Launch shuttles to put probes on planets
- randomized encounters — Unknown what aliens will show up
- Resource management — Manage credits and energy for actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's hitting people's hands now
- Really captured people
- This is one of the greatest games ever made. I don't care what anybody says
- This is a big sandbox and just go play in it
- There's something so compelling about this game
- I think board games are art
- Fight me I don't care. Best party game ever probably
- It creates so much laughter. It delivers so hard, man
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ahSjPUyvsIo
The Brothers Murph top_10_list at 23:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5634 · mention_pk 97036
Click to watch at 23:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rich thematic integration with exploration and aliens
- Expansion adds variety with player powers and more aliens
- Engaging, point-rich euro-style engine-building
Cons
- Complexity may deter casual players
- Expansion can complicate rules for new players
Thematic elements
- search for alien life and scientific exploration
- Night sky exploration, probes and data processing
- Euro-style resource management with thematic alien encounters
Comparison games
- Lost Ruins of Varnac
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven actions — Acquired cards provide additional missions and focal strategies.
- probes and data — Launch probes and manage data to unlock new opportunities and scoring.
- Resource management — Players manage resources to take actions and pursue missions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's really about exploring around
- this is a cooperative game, you and all your teammates crash landing onto a planet
- it's really about enjoying the kind of stories that emerge as you explore these different parts of the world
- Flip 7 is a really simple push your luck game, round after round
- The Old King's Crown... it's the hottest game right now. People are playing this a bunch
- Lost Ruins of Varnac, which is also from CGE in that you're trying to find a way to keep that round going
- It's war on steroids. Like, there's a million things you can do to augment what you have played
- it's just silly fun
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gTqCluDbJTc
Dice Tower game_review at 0:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 627 · mention_pk 146660
Click to watch at 0:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Adds three new aliens with varied playstyles and flavorful themes
- Asymmetrical starts are easy to teach and speed up play
- Quick Start cards effectively shorten the game without removing excitement
- Signal tokens and new scanning-related mechanics increase player choice
- More cards and tokens add variety without overwhelm
Cons
- Increases complexity and setup with many new components
- Some players may need a first playthrough to fully grok asymmetrical abilities
Thematic elements
- Exploration, collaboration, and competition via research and signaling.
- Outer space exploration with alien civilizations and interstellar research.
- Asymmetrical starts and modular expansion influencing play flow.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Expansion cards and variants — A large set of cards; some provide alternatives to existing effects; increases variety and synergy opportunities.
- Glyphs and special tokens — Glyph tokens and glyph-based bonuses; players collect glyphs and can decipher them to gain bonuses.
- Multi-use cards — A large set of cards; some provide alternatives to existing effects; increases variety and synergy opportunities.
- New aliens and asymmetrical starts — Three new aliens each with unique board layouts and starting powers; asymmetrical starting conditions to alter strategy and teachability.
- Once-Per-Game Abilities — Each organization provides a starting resource, a special ability, and a one-time action per round.
- Organizations with ongoing and one-time abilities — Each organization provides a starting resource, a special ability, and a one-time action per round.
- Publicity economy and end-game scoring — Publicity has a cost/benefit dynamic; certain actions grant or consume publicity; leftover publicity yields end-game points.
- Quick Start cards — A subset of starting bonuses designed to shorten the first round; allow players to begin with predefined benefits.
- Signal tokens and scanning action — Signal tokens are spent to discard extra card from the row when scanning, enabling more efficient information gathering.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This expansion is everything I want from an expansion.
- I will never play SETI without this expansion.
- 10 out of 10 for me.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–9 of 9