Merchant of Venus (Second Edition)
- Designer Richard Hamblen , Robert A. Kouba
- Publisher Fantasy Flight Games , Arclight Games , Asterion Press , Heidelberger Spieleverlag
- Illustration Alex Aparin , David Griffith , Johannes Holm , Henning Ludvigsen
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Merchant of Venus, players take on the role of space traders who travel between star systems discovering alien worlds and trading goods. You deliver commodities in a dynamic supply-and-demand system, upgrade your ships and equipment, and build spaceports and factories. Optional interplayer combat adds extra tension. The goal is to be the first to acquire a set total value of cash and property deeds.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players and experts willing to invest up to four hours per session. Suitable from age 14, it also includes a solo mode. Prior experience with complex economic games is helpful due to multiple mechanics and strategic depth.
How It Works
Merchant of Venus combines Commodity Speculation, Pick-up and Deliver, and Point to Point Movement. Players move ships through interconnected systems, buying and selling goods based on fluctuating supply and demand to earn money. This money funds better ships, equipment, and building spaceports and factories to boost trading capabilities. Dice rolls determine movement, and the setup varies each game.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Richard Hamblen and Robert A. Kouba, this 2012 edition was nominated for the Charles S. Roberts Award for Best Science-Fiction or Fantasy Board Wargame. It updates the classic 1988 game by reducing player count to four and expanding gameplay while preserving its core space trading theme.
Awards
- 2012 Charles S. Roberts Best Science-Fiction or Fantasy Board Wargame — Nominated
Pro
- Combines multiple mechanics like Commodity Speculation and Pick-up and Deliver
- Includes solo mode for single players
- 2012 Charles S. Roberts Award nominee
- Variable setup enhances replayability
Contra
- Long playtime up to 240 minutes requires patience
- Complexity makes it unsuitable for beginners
- Age limit of 14+ restricts younger family players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a science fiction universe, the game takes place in an unexplored galaxy sector with various alien races and space trade. Players discover and trade in new star systems inspired by Venus and other space worlds.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding core mechanics like trading and movement before exploring advanced strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Merchant of Venus (Second Edition) includes a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game can take up to 240 minutes; allow enough time including setup.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is aimed at experienced and expert players familiar with complex economic games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its combination of Commodity Speculation, Pick-up and Deliver, and variable setup makes it unique in space trading games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and long playtime, it’s better suited for players aged 14 and older, not for younger families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Commodity Speculation combined with Pick-up and Deliver and Point to Point Movement shapes the gameplay.
Fazit
Merchant of Venus (Second Edition) is recommended for players seeking a deep economic space adventure with complex mechanics and long playtime. It is less suited for casual or family gamers.
