Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
- Designer Touko Tahkokallio
- Publisher Lautapelit.fi , Arclight Games , CrowD Games , Maldito Games , Matagot
- Illustration Noah Adelman , Jere Kasanen , Jukka Rajaniemi , Sampo Sikiö
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You command an interstellar civilization: exploring star systems, researching technologies and building ships for exploration and warfare. Multiple paths to victory exist, so you must balance your species' strengths against rivals. The Second Dawn edition updates graphic design and adds miniatures while fine‑tuning gameplay, according to the unsere Datenbank description. Expect a mix of area‑impulse turns, hex‑grid movement and dice‑based combat.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at experienced gamers and fans of deep strategy: the game is marked 14+ and suits players who enjoy long, involved sessions. With a playtime around 200 minutes it requires commitment; newcomers should be comfortable with complex strategy titles. Players who like diplomacy, fleet movement and civilization elements will find it appealing.
How It Works
Core systems include exploration on a hexagon grid, Area‑Impulse for action sequencing and Area Majority/Influence for control. Alliances provide diplomatic options, while Dice Rolling resolves battles and introduces uncertainty. You research, deploy fleets and resolve encounters on the interstellar map — a blend of strategic planning and tactical resolution.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Touko Tahkokallio, the 2020 Second Dawn edition features new graphic design and miniatures per the unsere Datenbank description. It won the Charles S. Roberts Best SciFi Fantasy Board Wargame award in 2020 and won the Geek Media Awards Game of the Year for Experienced Gamers in 2021. Its mix of civilization mechanics with Area‑Impulse on a hex grid sets it apart.
Awards
2012
- 2021 Geek Media Awards Game of the Year for Experienced Gamers — Winner
- 2020 Charles S. Roberts Best SciFi Fantasy Board Wargame — Winner
Pro
- Deep, multi‑path strategic gameplay (exploration, research, military)
- Area‑Impulse plus hexagon grid creates strategic and tactical depth
- Second Dawn edition adds updated graphics and new miniatures
- Award recognition: Charles S. Roberts (2020) and Geek Media Awards (2021) winner
Contra
- Very long playtime (~200 minutes) — needs time and patience
- High complexity makes it less accessible to casual players
- Lower player counts can feel less dynamic compared to higher player counts
Setting & Atmosphäre
A science‑fiction galaxy where you lead an interstellar civilization, explore systems and build galactic fleets. The theme supports classic space exploration and wargame play.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Allow extra time for the first game, discuss core systems (exploration, research, combat) and set realistic goals for a long session.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No — the game is designed for 2–6 players.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 200 minutes; expect additional time for setup and rule explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced strategy gamers; familiarity with complex civilization or wargames is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
Eclipse blends civilization‑style progression with Area‑Impulse and hex grid movement; Second Dawn emphasizes updated components and miniatures.
Is this suitable for families?
With a 14+ age recommendation and long playtime, it is less suited as a family casual game.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Area‑Impulse, hexagon grid movement and Area Majority/Influence defines much of the gameplay.
Fazit
Recommended for seasoned strategy players who want long, thematic space campaigns. Not ideal for casual groups or short game nights due to its length and complexity.
