Spacewalk

Spacewalk is an older game, that has been used as an educational supplement game in the STEM system. Game play is similar to a version of mancala, the stone moving game into your home goal. Unlike mancala, you want to avoid your ships falling into one of three black holes.

To play, each player (2-5 can enjoy this one) receives 3 ships of three different sizes, 9 in total. Players go around in a clockwise motion and place their ships one by one in turn order until each is placed. The game's objective is somewhat battle royal, where you're trying to be the last ship standing. Ships are eliminated from play as they enter a black hole, and cleverly the game board and box is designed so that you put the game away as you play it.

On your turn you must move all ships on any one space that originally had one of your ships on it. You are allowed to move your opponents ships as well, but only if they're on the same initial space. Your goal is to try to put their ships into the black holes and have yours remain behind. There are a few more rules on how each kind of ship can move and when, but it's easier to see the ships and learn that way, then for me to describe it all in words. The first time I played this game, the rules were all explained in 5 minutes or less.

The strategy, however; is much more difficult to learn, and it will take a few play-through's in order to become a true master. In addition to the ship movement, the players must also learn when to use their bonus chits, which can be used to move their ships to safety, or to take a second turn after completing theirs, immediately. With many initial ship placement variances and individual strategy, this initially simple looking game is quite complex and will have you coming back for more and more again and again. Get yours HERE!

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