Cysmic
Cysmic at your next game night?
Add Cysmic 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 Jason Blake
- Publisher Star Reach Games
- Illustration Jason Blake , Szymek Dmitruk
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
You take the role of a faction on a collapsing, terraformed planet, gathering resources, capturing enemies and building a colony ship to escape. The game uses a race condition: there are no points — the player who launches their ship first wins. The narrative centers on societal conflict and environmental instability as described in the game's background.
Who Is This Game For?
Cysmic targets experienced hobbyists (age 14+) and prefers longer, strategic sessions. With a playtime around 180 minutes it's suited to extended game nights. Solo players are supported, while groups seeking deep asymmetric competition will get the most out of it.
How It Works
Mechanically the game mixes Dice Rolling with Hand Management and Multi‑Use Cards, while actions are resolved via an Action Queue and Variable Phase Order. Movement and combat use Grid Movement on a Hexagon Grid across a Modular Board. Events, Take That interaction, Variable Set‑up and Variable Player Powers create asymmetry and replay variety.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jason Blake, Cysmic replaces point scoring with a first‑to‑complete objective: launching a colony ship. The blend of wargame mechanics, negotiation elements and variable setup distinguishes it from straightforward area control games. The presence of a solo mode adds flexibility.
Pro
- Asymmetric factions via Variable Player Powers
- High replayability from Variable Set‑up and Modular Board
- Clear race objective instead of points
- Includes a Solo / Solitaire Game mode
Contra
- Long playtime (~180 minutes) demands commitment
- Complex mix of mechanics can be daunting for newcomers
Setting & atmosphere
Science‑fiction setting on a destabilized, terraformed planet (Kepler‑62e context in the description). Competing factions and leaders vie for survival and escape.
Tips for beginners
Focus early sessions on mastering resource flow and the Action Queue; the game's many systems reward patient learning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. A solo mode is included (players.min = 1).
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 180 minutes; allow extra time for setup and first‑time teaching.
What prior experience do I need?
With age 14+ and numerous mechanics, it's best for experienced hobby gamers familiar with wargame or engine‑building concepts.
How does this compare to similar games?
Cysmic emphasizes a race to an objective rather than point scoring and blends wargame elements with negotiation and modular board setup.
Is this suitable for families?
Given the 14+ recommendation and ~180 minute playtime, it's not ideal for family game nights with younger players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Dice Rolling, Variable Player Powers and Variable Set‑up across a Modular Board defines the experience.
Fazit
Cysmic is recommended for players who want long, thematic sci‑fi wargames with asymmetry and dice mechanics. It's less suitable for casual groups or short sessions.
Cysmic at your next game night?
Add Cysmic to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Cysmic to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
