The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
- Designer Thomas Sing
- Publisher KOSMOS , 999 Games , Black Sea Games , Brain Games , CoolPlay
- Illustration Marco Armbruster , Sensit Communication GmbH
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play as members of an astronaut crew across 50 missions where the team must complete individual task objectives by winning specific tricks. Communication is limited, so success depends on indirect coordination and hand management rather than open discussion. Difficulty ramps with missions and individual missions can be paused and resumed.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable for families and hobby gamers who like cooperative experiences and short rounds: designed for 2–5 players and recommended from age 10. With a duration of about 20 minutes, it works well for repeated missions but requires teamwork and some practice.
How It Works
The Crew mixes trick-taking with cooperative gameplay and strict communication limits: players aim to win tricks according to task cards while only sharing very limited information. Hand management and timing matter because which cards you play affects team objectives. The scenario/mission structure provides escalating challenges and variety. The limited communication forces indirect tactics and group coordination.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Thomas Sing, The Crew pairs trick-taking with a mission campaign (50 missions) and constrained communication. It won the 2019 Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game and received several Golden Geek nominations in 2019. Digital implementations exist (e.g., Board Game Arena, Tabletopia).
Awards
2019
Pro
- Unusual blend of trick-taking and cooperative play
- Short rounds (~20 minutes) suitable for multiple missions
- 50 missions provide progressive challenge and replayability
- Strong focus on communication and team coordination
Contra
- Limited communication can frustrate inexperienced groups
- Less appealing to players who prefer competitive trick-taking
Setting & Atmosphäre
Science fiction / space exploration: you are a crew searching for Planet Nine. The missions create a narrative frame without requiring elaborate backstory knowledge.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start with early, simpler missions to learn the communication limits and team expectations; use repeated short plays to build group rhythm.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Crew is designed for 2–5 players.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 20 minutes; missions and pauses often lead to several short sessions rather than one long game.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic experience with trick-taking games helps; the title sits between family and hobby game complexity and requires team coordination.
How does this compare to similar games?
Unlike classic trick-taking games, The Crew is cooperative and mission-based with strict communication limits.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes — recommended from age 10 and cooperative nature makes it family-friendly if younger players handle the communication constraints.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Trick-taking, Cooperative Game play and Communication Limits defines the experience.
Fazit
Recommended if you enjoy cooperative trick-taking and short, replayable missions; less fitting for players seeking competitive trick-taking or long solo play.
