Space Empires: Close Encounters

This expansion brings alien empires into direct conflict through ship boarding actions, planetary invasions, and different types of ground troops. Around 20 unique racial abilities highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each empire, while additional technologies, Alien Technologies, and a larger technology tree expand the strategic options. Ship groups gain experience as they survive battles, with military academies helping new groups develop. Titans can carry fighters and destroy planets, but also have drawbacks. Fleet counters, new three- and four-player scenarios, a solitaire alien empire scenario, and a scenario against invading Space Amoebas are included. The modular expansion allows players to use its components individually or together.

Players: 1–4 best 2
Playing time: 180 min
Age: 12+
Complexity: 3.5 / 5