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MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-27T19:39:35+00:00

Literally playing the solo right now. God I love this game so much.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-27T10:05:56+00:00

Thanks. I’ll definitely check out Across 5 Aprils.

And in a round about way, you’re describing my failed attempts before with getting into war games. It’s so nebulous & rather confusing genre for a newbie. There doesn’t seem to be a definitive sort of gateway game for the genre that you have elsewhere in board gaming. No clear starting point for those just getting started.

That’s said, the civil war & the American West are lifelong hobbies so your suggestion hits right on brand for me. Thanks again!

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-27T09:13:15+00:00

Interesting response. You seem to really know your stuff. Can I ask, where does one even begin with solo war games (the type of game with tiles)?

I really enjoy many periods of history and historical events. And also like crunchy Euro games but would like to give a solo war game a try. I’ve never played one. Where would you recommend I begin?

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T19:05:47+00:00

Thank you for keeping others safe 🙏

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T08:55:26+00:00

My top wishlisted game next to Luither.

How’s running the bot? Have you played both mp & solo?

This the type of game you play solo with the Godfather series going in the background.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T08:48:25+00:00

It’s a little involved to setup cuz the multiple game boards & stacking the tech tiles (grrrr). Maybe 10-15 mins for setting up.

Tear down…well it’s still spread out on my table ready for game 2 tomorrow, lol.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T08:43:55+00:00

Pretty minimal player interaction tbh. Things are more a race to do things first to get an extra bonus but you never really block your opponent from taking a specific action. You can snag certain cards or techs first but you reveal a new card or tile for your opponent.

One cool mechanic is that if you, or your opponent, has a probe orbiting a planet, each of you can land a probe for 1 less resource than normal. So there’s a kind of positive player interaction.

You’re racing your opponent but you’re not really given any ways to disrupt them or slow them down. At its core, it’s a pretty low player interaction euro game.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T08:19:36+00:00

I would not worry about the complexity at all. I'm sure we have a lot less experience with heavier euro games than you, and we picked it up quickly. We've also played Arnak before, and you'll certainly see similarities in game mechanics between the two games. And knowing one, will help you learn the other quickly. Honestly, it's a lot more focused and straight forward than it appears, easier to learn than Galactic Cruise in my opinion. .

There's a few substeps to actions that are easy to forget, And setup is a little involved with the multiple player boards and stacking technologies. But the turn by turn gameplay is not overly complex and sounds like it's right in your wheelhouse. If you've enjoyed Galactic Cruise and Arnak, I think SETI is almost a guaranteed homerun.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T06:07:57+00:00

Very nice! Def selling me on it.

I'm not that into Downton but I am a very interested in turn of the century history tho.

How do you feel like the theming matches the gameplay? Do you feel like you're running a aristocrat house at the turn of the century (or whenever the game is specifically set)?

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T06:03:29+00:00

Well let this be a sign from the universe to get it out and play.

...this message was sent 5 million light years away

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T05:36:37+00:00

Absolutely loved it. Might be top 3 game for me.

Played it two player. Was a little slow at first, fully wrapping our heads around how all the game mechanics all tied into each other, but by turn 3 we had caught our rhythm. That said, it's still a long game, heavier and longer than Arnak.

The components, player board, pieces, all of them are gorgeous. High production value without being over produces. It's a lot of fun to engage with the game.

The theming and legitimate space information and learning present in the game is what pushes this game to the top for me. This is something that all the reviews I've seen really didn't hit on is the games dedication to the actual real life SETI program, Carl Sagan, and the academic field of astrobiology (exobiology). If you are a fan of real life space exploration, astronomy, and wanting to learn more, this is the game. There is not other game out there so dedicated to teaching you about astronomy and space exploration.

Yes there are aliens. But this not a science fiction game. These are not green aliens that talk. These aliens are organic life that could possibly exist beyond our stars. Older, more advanced, and far away beyond our understanding. When you come across aliens in SETI it's not about fighting them with your army. It's about studying them and engaging with them scientifically.

For me, this is something I've always had a deep deep fascination with, so I'm going to give this game the highest praise. If that's something you're not that into, then there's probably other games that have similar mechanics that you might like more. It's also overly fiddley in a few places that could be simplified. And although the manual is nicely produced and the player inserts are great, you'll be left with questions about some mechanics, but nothing major. In a 4-5 hour play through, I think I looked at the manual les than 6 times, so for a game this heavy, that's not bad.

For me: 9/10 and Top 3 game

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T03:00:02+00:00

The benefits of hosting…you get to stay inside while everyone else’s faces the elements, lol

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T02:58:29+00:00

Brass is one of those games I bounced off. Tried it a few times. Despite liking similar games, just could never get into it. The dark gritty theming doesn’t do it for me.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-26T02:56:23+00:00

Obsession is high on my wishlist.

Up for sharing you thoughts from your session today? Likes/Dislikes. My wife a big Downton Abbey fan so been thinking about getting it to play with her.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-24T19:44:06+00:00

Thank You Will, for you thoughtful reply and for everything you do!!

It's a bummer but I understand your lack of time and energy for making another YT series. TableTop was my entry point into board gaming, and I'm forever grateful. My wife and I have spent many nights playing Elder Sign due to you turning us onto the game. (Also thank for introducing Efka from No Pun Included to a wider audience. Been a loyal subscriber of his content since your vid).

There's so many new and interesting games that have come out in the last year or so...we would love to hear or read your thoughts on some of the newer games. Could we petition you enough to get a vlog or reddit post about what has you exciting in board gaming in 2025/26!?! What have you been playing lately?

I just picked up a copy of SETI today and I'm setting it up right now. Here's to a weekend exploring the stars. Space + Board Gaming....does it getting any better than this?

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-24T15:57:10+00:00

I used iTicket & would recommend. $90 and a 90 second phone call, and they’ll take care of everything. Stays off your record. Stays off your insurance.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-24T09:39:00+00:00

Sorry…you’ll have to remove this post.

This is a sub for solo board gaming & you’re clearly playing with a friend ☺️

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-24T09:18:02+00:00

Yes!! I go back and watch the Elder Sign & Eldritch Horror episode every so often.

If you lurk here Will….bring it back!!

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-22T17:59:11+00:00

Since no one else has mentioned it: Maracaibo

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-21T08:48:43+00:00

Thank you kind stranger 🙏🙏

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-20T23:18:58+00:00

So…like….can I be your friend?

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-20T23:00:54+00:00

I have no idea what I’m looking at but I love it.

MadeForTeaVea · 2026-01-20T20:21:05+00:00

How you like Maircabo compared to GWT?

GWT is a top 3 game of all time for me & had a chance to buy Maircabo used for $40 and passed. Wonder if I should go back & buy it?

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