Race for The Galaxy: Alien Artifacts

Ive played this a total of 3-4 times now, once with the orb game and 2-3 without. Now, while that is definitely not enough to form a definitive opinion and deconstruction of the game as it exists with the expansion, I do feel I have enough for form an initial impression. If you have just the base game of Race For The Galaxy, and you want a little bit more without overcomplicating the game, then this expansion is for you. I have had just the base game for a year now and have been looking forward to this expansion. I considered getting the other expansions, but have heard such mixed reviews and reactions to the new game mechanics of the other expansions, that I decided to stay away. Especially since this is already a hard game to teach newcomers. This expansion was made for that in mind. This expansion re-balances the games and adds different strategies, without changing any old features and making sure that any new cards can be understood by simply explaining the old rules. Which is, exactly what I wanted. I felt like the old game could get streaky and sometimes it could be tough if you had a bad run of cards. So far, (with only 3-4 plays) I can honestly say I think the new game gives you more strategies to go after and therefore youre less likely to have a bad game, since there are less unspecialized cards. The Orb game is really neat and, importantly, optional. This ads an interesting element to the explore phase, making it more useful. I like this, because I often explore for particular cards I might want towards the last third of the game, and if that doesnt yield the results I want, this gives me something else to do during that phase. But, like most phases of this game, it also allows other players to do it, so you have to be aware of how it may benefit other players if you explore. This part of the game is the part Im less decided on. Its hard for me to really assign it a star value. I really like it so far, but it changes the game a lot, especially the gameplay time and flow. I suspect it will end up hitting the table most of the time with experienced players looking for something new, but the new cards work well without it. I like exploring a lot as a mechanic in video games (Fez, Metroid) and I feel this captures that aspect well in board game form. It has a mild puzzly aspect in how you place the cards and certainly favors having some military even if you arent going for a military strategy. I suspect the Orb Game works best in 4 player form, as it is really easy to avoid each other and just build outward in a 2 player game. If you want something that is more complicated, aggressive, and dont mind less balance, perhaps the old expansion arc is better for you. Ive never played those expansions and can only compare them based on what I have read and heard from people. If you already have the old expansion arc and have a hard time bringing it to the table because it is too complicated and want to go back to a simpler time, but still dont want just the base game and want something new, then maybe this will work for you. I could wait longer before posting a review, until I get a better impression of the game after several plays, but I saw no reviews were up and this may help someone decide who is on the fence. I felt like I got it and have a good idea of what to expect from future games (but you never know). I will update if my opinion changes.

A fantastic addition to the game.

Only buy this expansion if you want more cards!! On cards alone, this would be a 5-star addition to Race For The Galaxy. BUT, the Alien Artifacts mechanic is TERRIBLE! Minus 2 stars! Ugh!