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Description
At the edge of our solar system, a dark planet may lurk. In 2015, astronomers estimated a large distant planet could explain the unique orbits of dwarf planets and other objects. Since then, astronomers have been scanning the sky, hoping to find this planet.
In The Search for Planet X, players take on the role of astronomers who use observations and logical deductions to search for this hypothetical planet. Each game, the companion app randomly selects an arrangement of objects and a location for Planet X following predefined logic rules.
Each round, as the earth travels around the sun, players use the app to perform scans and attend conferences. As they gain information about the location of the objects, they mark that information on their deduction sheets. As players learn the locations of the various objects, they can start publishing theories, which is how players score points.
As more and more objects are found, players narrow down the possible locations for Planet X. Once a player believes they know its location and the objects on either side of it, they use the app to conduct a search. The game ends when a player successfully locates Planet X, and all players have a final chance to score some additional points.
The Search for Planet X captures the thrill of discovery, the puzzle-y nature of astronomical investigation, and the competition inherent in the scientific process. Can you be the first to find Planet X?
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2020
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 16
This page: 16
Sentiment:
pos 14 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–16 of 16
Video BvKKM9EUWvI
Dice Tower retrospective at 4:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13508 · mention_pk 39511
Click to watch at 4:28
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- ingenious deduction framework
Cons
- potential for heavy analysis
Thematic elements
- planetary discovery
- space/astronomy themed deduction
- investigative logic
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deduction — players deduce positions of planets via clues
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- One of the greatest experiences I've ever had playing a board game ever.
- It's all about board games, but especially the people who play them.
- This is Look Back, a series that I do where I talk about games that I reviewed one year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago, and 20 years ago during this time frame.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video p2EoUiKBQHI
Fast paced games general_discussion at 19:50 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 12975 · mention_pk 37950
Click to watch at 19:50
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- engaging puzzle concept
- promotes critical thinking
Cons
- perceived as heavy or work-like by some players
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deduction / deduction-driven exploration — Players deduce the location of planets using clues and reasoning.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- diversity is extremely important especially for even our older community who may not be tech savvy
- it's the atmosphere at the table
- representation really matters
- we're the products of that student
- we want to keep their brain active and engaged; brain activity is important
- three big ones is Calico, Fort and The Crew
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video xggIT3fPMBE
The Discriminating Gamer game_review at 0:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11818 · mention_pk 34622
Click to watch at 0:14
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging space-themed deduction mechanics
- High-quality components and gorgeous map artwork
- Strong app integration that supports puzzle solving
- Dual-sided map for varying difficulty and replayability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new players
- App-driven elements may be a barrier for players who prefer entirely analogue games
- Not a cooperative experience, which may limit appeal for some groups
Thematic elements
- deductive puzzle solving with astronomy-inspired mechanics and data gathering
- Space exploration and planetary surveying in a distant solar system, seeking the elusive Planet X
- embedded procedural investigation aided by an app
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app-driven play — An accompanying app handles data collection, survey results, and scoring to guide deduction.
- deduction — Players gather clues from surveys and app-driven data to deduce the location of Planet X.
- information management — Players record findings on personal pads and track evolving hypotheses throughout the game.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This game sounds fascinating.
- I like these kind of deduction games... solve the puzzle to figure out where something is.
- the board's dual sided
- absolutely gorgeous
- I am getting more and more excited about this game as I unbox it.
- Cannot tell you how excited I am to play this one.
- the artwork is phenomenal
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video g3JcM_A5-ZA
John Perkis top_5_list at 13:58
video_pk 11438 · mention_pk 33624
Click to watch at 13:58
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Array
- Array
- Deduction and scientific reasoning to locate the elusive Planet X using clues and app-assisted feedback.
- Array
- Outer space, planetary bodies, and astral objects organized into a 12-sector solar system.
- Array
- Array
- Array
- mixed
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 something ambitious about pan am
- pan am is gloriously competitive
- the core of pan am is brilliant it's interactive it's strategic
- it's heavy-handed luck hurts even more
- in santa monica you're building the city of santa monica with cards
- the arrangement of your city is everything
- it's a brain burner
- remember our trip i only wish it was a little less punishing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -lJPkaHJ21A
Broken People top_100_list at 2:34 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11038 · mention_pk 32484
Click to watch at 2:34
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- clever puzzle
- smooth app integration
Cons
- limited market visibility
Thematic elements
- deduction through clues
- Galaxy/space exploration
- puzzle-driven
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app-assisted clues — digital hints guide play
- deduction — reasoning to place clues
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Ticket to Ride on the other hand should be the number one on Board Game Geek.
- it's got great Lord of the Rings theming; I wish there was more actual Lord of the Rings music on the app
- I hate the fact that you have to get a full family otherwise you lose.
- it's quick simple; you can get this game done in 30 minutes.
- this is the number one board game on Board Game Geek
- Energy Empire though which is Luke Laurie's baby in this one is definitely the best of the trilogy
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DYZg1PE3a8w
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:17 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11006 · mention_pk 32409
Click to watch at 0:17
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- solo play works surprisingly well and scales to two players
- engineered tension from timing and chain reactions as correct objects are placed
- adjustable difficulties keep the game accessible while preserving challenge
- smooth gameplay flow with clear action sequencing and minimal downtime
- replayability is high due to app-driven variability and evolving logic
Cons
- intimidating for players who dislike logic puzzles
- perceived complexity can be off-putting before players get past the learning curve
- some may dislike the reliance on the app for core clues
- endgame scoring can feel punishing if you are behind and miss Planet X by a small margin
Thematic elements
- deduction under uncertainty with app-assisted clues
- Outer space exploration; astronomers search for Planet X across a modular board of sectors
- procedural logic with evolving information delivered through an accompanying app
Comparison games
- Railroad Ink
- Alchemists
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- End-game scoring — Points are awarded based on distance of Planet X and other objects found; additional scoring via game end triggers
- Locate Planet X — Submit a guess for Planet X and its adjacent objects; correct guess yields points
- Publishing research papers — When the board rotates, players place research papers to indicate suspected objects; papers are revealed by the app later
- Research — Per-game logic rules are revealed and tracked; players deduce rules to narrow possibilities
- Survey — Choose a region and an object to query; the app reports counts privately to players
- Targeting — Direct the app to reveal what type of object sits in a specific sector
- Time/Turn economy — Actions cost movement of your observatory; the player furthest behind typically acts first
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a deduction game where you're trying to locate planet x
- the actions cost time
- the app will tell you how many of that object there are
- it's very addictive when you first time play
- the rules are so simple because of the app
- it's the simplest game for sure
- it's a must-have for me
- the gameplay flows really smoothly
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CBDnc5JMW98
Chairman of the Board top_10_list at 1:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9441 · mention_pk 27887
Click to watch at 1:46
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Offers a different style of deduction
- Brain-burning and satisfying deduction puzzle
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Awkward Guess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deduction with time-track pressure — Deduce planets’ locations using a timed action track that accelerates as players progress.
- Pattern/puzzle-solving deduction — Logical puzzle of placing astral bodies based on clues.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I love how streamlined this game is.
- it's a drafting style game as you're trying to build up the civilization of cards
- one world worthy of all the hype
- this engine builder
- it's the crunchiness
- this is widely considered to be one of the best if not the best economic style board game of all time
- it's a joy to play
- you are destined to love it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GKkCzzcZUjc
The Broken Meeple top_100_list at 8:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8865 · mention_pk 26147
Click to watch at 8:26
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- clear rules
- quick to pick up for a deduction game
Cons
- some randomness in clue distribution
Thematic elements
- planetary search puzzle
- space/astronomical deduction
- app-assisted deduction
Comparison games
- Cryptid
- Archaeologic
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app-assisted — App guides clues and scoring
- deduction — Identify planetary identities from clues
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a really cool design and simple to play
- this is one of my go-to social deduction games
- it's simple you know doesn't take too long and still gives you like an interesting story with a lot of freedom
- it's Zen-like bag-builder
- it's a big engine builder with the mechs
- it's a very cool negotiation game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video t-JQ9ACyRvk
The Broken Meeple top_10_list sentiment: positive
video_pk 8810 · mention_pk 25971
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Excellent logic deduction puzzle system
- App integration is elegant and necessary
- Strong solo mode with bot opponent
- Unique app-based mechanics
- Good scaling from 1-4 players
Cons
- Somewhat multiplayer solitaire feel
- Not the most visually striking game
- Requires app comfort from players
- Came out with minimal marketing
- Solo mode not in rulebook (must find online)
Thematic elements
- Space Exploration
- Astronomy
- Logic Puzzles
Comparison games
- Alchemists (comparison with theory placement mechanic)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a unique twist on a genre that has you know like i say i love deck building but it has been bloated with a lot of uh entries
- it's a breath of fresh air it's like oh no one's really tried this before
- thank you viewers because you kept banging on at me to play this game finally i did and you were right
- my god do i i mean i love coffee i love coco but man do i hate the stuff i have to play this game
- it's like inside out the board game as in the pixar movie which is vastly underrated
- wow for someone like me who loves like variety as the spicer life this is certainly one where you've just got so many different ways to tailor the game
- tainted grail is one of the best story world settings for any campaign game i have played forget dissent forget gloomhaven
- gameplay imperium is sound it really is a good fun deck builder it would be so much higher on this list if it was just a bit more streamlined
- this is a really streamlined game that works with six players you don't get many of those
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video rokCMY0_nzM
Chairman of the Board top_n_list at 18:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6897 · mention_pk 20419
Click to watch at 18:13
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- innovative deduction pace
- variable information economy
Cons
- app reliance may be disruptive for some groups
Thematic elements
- investigative discovery in a sci-fi setting
- space-deduction using app-assisted rules
- logical, information-heavy exploration
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app-assisted rules — digital component shapes information reveal
- deduction — ask questions to gather evidence and narrow space
- time-management — questions cost time and affect deduction pace
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this game is poo
- it does as i said just take that edge off the randomness
- one of the best card games i've ever played
- it's almost like a eurofied Ticket to Ride
- the ambition of this game is absolutely mind-blowing
- a game that rewards repeated plays
- the board is always flux and alive
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video rokCMY0_nzM
Chairman of the Board top_n_list at 18:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6897 · mention_pk 20427
Click to watch at 18:13
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- clever time-question system
- balanced deduction mechanic
Cons
- requires careful play to maximize information
Thematic elements
- space exploration and investigation
- space-deduction with a probabilistic questioning model
- elegant, question-driven
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deduction — players ask questions to gather information from clues
- time-costing questions — more precise questions cost more time but yield better data
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this game is poo
- it does as i said just take that edge off the randomness
- one of the best card games i've ever played
- it's almost like a eurofied Ticket to Ride
- the ambition of this game is absolutely mind-blowing
- a game that rewards repeated plays
- the board is always flux and alive
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video LuyQQkOOqzk
Discriminating Gamer top_10_list at 6:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6345 · mention_pk 18748
Click to watch at 6:22
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Excellent deduction mechanism and atmosphere
- App integration provides synchronized visibility and clues
- Engaging theme and learning opportunities about astronomy
Cons
- Appeals to deduction enthusiasts more than casual players
- Some may find the deduction pressure intense
Thematic elements
- deduction about a hidden planet using a shared night-sky model
- astronomical night sky exploration
- cooperative detective work with app-guided clues
Comparison games
- Among the Stars (deduction vibe)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app-assisted location — the app relays information and coordinates actions
- deduction and clue management — players use clues to eliminate false hypotheses and locate Planet X
- shared night sky grid — players explore sectors to identify where Planet X may lie
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Return to Dark Tower is phenomenal.
- The app integration here works great.
- This is my number one app-driven game of all time.
- It's an incredibly fun game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video PQ1yU6_Om4U
The Brothers Murf top_10_list at 10:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6213 · mention_pk 18404
Click to watch at 10:26
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- satisfying domino-style progression
- strong deduction flow and logic satisfaction
Cons
- can be challenging for new players
- may require many plays to master rule interactions
Thematic elements
- astronomy and logic deduction
- sky-spotting/deduction puzzle about locating a hidden planet
- logic-driven discovery with a domino-effect reveal
Comparison games
- Hookie
- Turing Machine
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deduction / logic rules — players deduce location of planet X using grid/sky clues
- pattern of clues — rules constrain where meteors, gas clouds, etc., can appear
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There's a lot of games out there that I feel like you do stuff you're like, 'Ooh, I feel like you figured that out.'
- It just makes you feel clever as you build out this thing and start really cascading finishing those tasks.
- This is a game where you are going to be doing actions by putting these kind of double-sided hexom tiles into this cauldron.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Me0lAa2c6iI
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 1:23 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1883 · mention_pk 5426
Click to watch at 1:23
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Appealing to players who enjoy deduction and logic puzzles
- Solo play option is available
- Tile components provide tactile interaction and thematic flavor
- Clear stance away from Euro, dice, or cards, offering a niche appeal
Cons
- Not highly accessible to casual or family audiences
- Niche appeal may limit audience reach
- Ambiguity around publisher/designer without official data
Thematic elements
- Astronomy, deduction, investigation
- Space exploration with clues to identify Planet X
- Investigative puzzle
Comparison games
- Jenga
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deduction / hidden information — Players infer a correct answer through logic and elimination of possibilities.
- Solo Play — The game supports playing solo, solving clues without other players.
- Tile components — Tiles are used as clues or markers rather than traditional placement on a board.
- Timed play — A timer is used to pace the guessing process.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Tiles, but not tile placement.
- Can you solo this game?
- Yes.
- We would solo it.
- Is it the search for planet X?
- Yes. Oh, baby.
- There you go.
- Nick likes it the most of any of us.
- Not a euro, not a mass market.
- Tile placement game, but there are tiles.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5303VOR_FLM
Going Out Podcast general_discussion at 57:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1631 · mention_pk 4714
Click to watch at 57:04
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- innovative rotation mechanic (sky rotates as time passes)
- strong logic-deduction appeal and theme
Cons
- can be heavy and lengthy for some groups
Thematic elements
- logic deduction and astronomical reasoning
- Earth sky exploration to locate Planet X
- investigative deduction with rotating sky board
Comparison games
- Planet X (series progression)
- Lost Species
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- logic deduction with app-assisted hints — players deduce Planet X using logical clues and a rotating sky board.
- visual deduction / mapping — players map the sky sectors, considering rotation and time progression.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Gen Con is my number one show of the year; the energy is like geek paradise.
- Non-stop bombardment of games and energy everywhere you turn.
- Indianapolis has embraced Gen Con to the point that even the airport has tables to play games.
- These are our people; the hobby is a shared language and vibe.
- Pax Premier Second Edition is a heavy, rewarding experience with deep political intrigue.
- The Search for Planet X uses a 360-degree sky view and rotating clues—it's a clever deduction challenge.
- Evenfall is gorgeous; the art and depth are top-notch, though it can be challenging to learn.
- Offsite publisher events can offer a more relaxed, focused environment for discussion and play.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video nsUNKEsWmwo
Dice Tower retrospective_review at 0:32 sentiment: positive
video_pk 560 · mention_pk 1680
Click to watch at 0:32
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique deduction gameplay
- App integration
- Engaging scientific theme
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Scientific deduction
- Astronomical exploration
- Competitive discovery
Comparison games
- Search for Lost Species
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- App-assisted gameplay — Uses an app to verify information
- deduction — Players use clues to locate Planet X
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- We have ranked a lot of games as fantastic.
- Everything gives you points.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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