12 Parsecs
12 Parsecs at your next game night?
Add 12 Parsecs to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Andy Desa , Saurabh Misra
- Publisher Story Machine Games
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In a quick 15-minute game, players simultaneously use rolled dice to build ships, train cadets, and gather fuel. You form two numbers from dice to fill ship spaces in ascending order, balancing between completing smaller ships quickly or larger ships for more points. The game ends once a player builds three of their five ships, with scoring based on completed and incomplete ships plus resources.
Who Is This Game For?
12 Parsecs suits groups seeking a light-to-medium complexity roll-and-write, ideal for families and casual players aged 8 and up. With up to 10 players and a short playtime, it works well for quick sessions and larger groups without requiring prior experience.
How It Works
Each turn, three dice are rolled simultaneously. Two dice form two numbers placed on your ship in ascending order, while the third die is used to build academies or fuel stations that generate resources. You manage building smaller ships faster or investing in larger ships that score more points. The game ends when a player completes three ships, triggering final scoring.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Andy Desa and Saurabh Misra, 12 Parsecs blends dice rolling, push-your-luck, and simultaneous action selection mechanics. It won the 2020 Design Machine Contest under the 'social distancing' theme. The shared dice but individual choices create dynamic gameplay within a sci-fi setting.
Pro
- Short playtime of about 15 minutes
- Supports 2 to 10 players
- Combines push-your-luck with simultaneous action selection
- Winner of the 2020 Design Machine Contest
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Limited depth for expert gamers due to short duration
- Number combinations may be challenging for younger children
Setting & atmosphere
Set in a sci-fi universe, players build spaceships on their home planet to escape a looming supernova. The theme combines space exploration with tactical resource management.
Tips for beginners
Focus on balancing quick completion of small ships with investing in larger, higher-scoring ships while managing resources effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, 12 Parsecs is designed for 2 to 10 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 15 minutes, allowing for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is easy to learn and suitable for casual players and children aged 8 and up.
How does this compare to similar games?
12 Parsecs uniquely combines simultaneous action selection with push-your-luck and roll-and-write mechanics in a sci-fi setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, simple rules and short playtime make it good for families with children aged 8 and older.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Dice Rolling, Push Your Luck, and Simultaneous Action Selection stands out.
Fazit
12 Parsecs is recommended for players looking for a fast, interactive roll-and-write with a space theme. Its simple rules and short duration make it accessible, though strategic resource management adds depth.
12 Parsecs at your next game night?
Add 12 Parsecs to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add 12 Parsecs to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
