When we first encountered SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence at Essen Spiel 2024, its presence immediately caught our attention. The rotating solar system board and the beautiful components drew us in, and we knew we had to bring it to our collection. After finally getting our hands on a copy and laying it out, it was clear that this game promised a fantastic experience, and it has certainly delivered.
Designed by Tomáš Holek and published by Czech Games Edition, SETI places players in the role of a space exploration agency searching for extraterrestrial life. BTW to mention that when we were in the hall on the Essen spiel, SETI was the main show, everyone was there, also met a dude that explains how the game functions, very cool we can say. Here’s just a peak at what it was during the Essen spiel:
With its combination of multi-use cards, resource management, and an innovative rotating solar system mechanism, this eurogame combines strategic complexity with its unique theme. After multiple playthroughs across different groups, we’re here to share our experience with SETI and discuss its mechanics, components, and overall gameplay dynamics.
Main Game Components
The most unique thing about this board game is the setup of the main platform. If you didn’t understand, the main board of the SETI is separated in three pieces that fit together like a puzzle, that is something that we don’t usually see often.
The puzzle of the Main board
As said the main board consists of multiple pieces which are:
The Solar System Board
The show’s star (pun intended) is the rotating solar system mechanism. It’s beautifully made with three rotating rings that click satisfyingly into place. Like a space mission, each component has its purpose. The planet artwork is gorgeous, and more importantly, it’s functional. You can easily tell planets apart and see available spaces. However, rotating those rings can be a bit finicky, so handle them gently.
The Planetary Board
This is where your probes will spend most of their time, and it’s laid out intuitively. Each planet has clear spaces for orbiters and landers. The moon spaces are exceptionally well-designed—they’re small but easily accommodate your pieces. The dual-layer design here was smart, making it easy to place and remove pieces without disrupting others.
The Tech Board
The three distinct colors for different tech types make scanning easy, and the spaces are perfectly sized for the tech tiles. One small nitpick tho, the outline guides for tech tiles are sometimes oriented backward, which can be confusing during setup.
General Components of SETI
Two-Point Tiles
These teal-colored tiles serve as immediate scoring opportunities. While simple, their placement and timing can be crucial for maintaining momentum throughout the game.
Starting Player Marker & Solar System Rotation Tokens
The two solar system rotation tokens are crucial for tracking the game’s signature mechanism. They’re functional and clear, though we recommend keeping them in a designated spot to avoid confusion during play. We can say that the first player marker is very unique, and also very big for a marker.
Main Deck (138 cards)
The whole game functions based on this substantial deck of 138 cards. The multi-use nature of each card creates interesting decisions throughout the game. Card quality is excellent, and the artwork is both beautiful and functional. After numerous plays, our cards have held up well to repeated shuffling.
Player Components – The Research Tools
Player Boards
These are among the unique but kinda weird player boards we’ve seen, because it has 2 layers and also 2 sides, one for solo play (shown on the right) and one for multiplayer. but the good thing is that the tiles can fit perfectly. The dual-layer construction is fantastic, no more pieces sliding around when someone bumps the table.
Player Pieces
Each player gets 8 figures and 30 markers in their color, along with a publicity counter and score counter for tracking progress. The probe figures are particularly satisfying to handle. However, there’s a slight color mismatch between the RE-Wood pieces and cardboard components, of course we’re overreacting, it’s not a deal-breaker.
Markers are abundant, which is good because you’ll use lots of them. The publicity and score counters are distinctive enough to be distinct from regular markers. Each player also gets a handy 100/200-point token for when you really start racking up those points, and an income card that’s crucial for resource management. you’ll use lots of them. The publicity and score counters are distinctive enough to be distinct from regular markers.
Quick Reference Sheets
A thoughtful addition is the inclusion of four quick reference sheets, which have proven invaluable during our early games. These sheets clearly outline all possible actions and serve as a constant reminder of your strategic options.
Technologies and Scoring components
Tech Tiles
These dual-sided tiles are cleverly designed. The immediate bonus side is bright, while the permanent effect side is more subdial but still clear. The different colors and shapes make them easy to sort and recognize.
Gold Scoring Tiles
These tiles are double-sided, nature adds nice variability to scoring strategies. The metallic color makes them stand out appropriately as important end-game elements.
Alien Species Components
Each alien species comes as a complete package with its board, cards, and unique pieces. The variety is impressive, and the components are consistently high quality. The rule sheets for each species are clear and well-organized.
Storage tip: Keep each species components in separate bags you’ll thank yourself during setup.
Resources and Data Tokens
The 30 credit and 30 energy tokens are of standard CGE quality, which is very good. The 70 data tokens are particularly nice, with a translucent blue that feels appropriate for representing scientific information. They’re all easy to handle and distinguish.
The production value of every component is high across the board. Everything feels durable and well-made, though some components (like the rotating rings) require gentle handling. The graphic design deserves special praise, it manages to be beautiful and functional, which is challenging in a complex game.
The Solo Components
Solo Objective Tiles
The game comes with 24 solo objective tiles that add a unique challenge to the single-player experience. These tiles create specific goals that you’ll need to balance against your regular strategy. The objectives are varied enough to keep each solo game feel unique, and their design makes it easy to track your progress.
Rival Action Cards
The 19 rival action cards form the core of your AI opponent’s strategy. Each card clearly indicates what action your rival institution will take, eliminating any ambiguity during play. The cards simulate an opponent’s moves effectively, creating a tense and competitive atmosphere even in solo play.
Setup of SETI
The setup process has nice flow, data tokens are placed on nearby stars, tech tiles are shuffled onto their designated spaces, and the end-of-round card stacks are organized. While the tech tiles require more attention during setup due to their face-down placement and 2-point tiles on top, the rest of the components find their places on the well-designed board spaces.
Minor issues did appear during setup. Aligning the solar system discs and ensuring the random configuration of sectors proved to be a bit of a time taker. The markers occasionally cluttered the board, especially during intense scoring phases. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall production quality and aesthetic appeal more than compensated.
Gameplay Mechanics – What makes this game so special?
Captain’s Log, Playthrough Date 2024.3: Our latest mission to explore strange new worlds and seek out new civilizations has led us to some fascinating discoveries…
SETI combines familiar Eurogame mechanics with novel twists. Players take one main action per turn, choosing from options such as launching probes, scanning nearby stars, and analyzing collected data. The game’s resource management focuses on three key elements: credits, energy, and cards.
Multi-Use Cards
The 138 cards in SETI are central to gameplay having multiple uses:
Players can play them for their main action, discard them for immediate benefits (either credits or energy), use them for free actions, tuck them under their income card to boost resources or save them for end-game scoring.
This versatility makes it so that every card shows its value, though deciding how to use each can lead to analysis paralysis. Learning the timing of card usage is crucial. We’ve seen games won and lost based on whether a player held onto a powerful card too long or played it at the right moment.
Rotating Solar System and Core Actions
The solar system rotation mechanism is SETI’s most innovative and unique aspect. At specific points in the game, players rotate one of the three solar system discs (inner, middle, and outer), shifting planets and altering probe movement paths. This forces players to anticipate board changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. In our games, timing these rotations can create exciting opportunities or completely disrupt an opponent’s carefully laid plans. For instance, timing probe movements to coincide with planetary alignments can lead to significant advantages. At the same time, a poorly timed rotation might leave your probe stranded in an inefficient position.
The game features several core actions that form the backbone of gameplay:
Probe Actions
Players can launch probes into space, move them between planets, and either place them in orbit or land them on celestial bodies while earning stuff. By default, each player is limited to having one probe in space at a time unless specific technologies or card effects allow for additional probes. Landing on moons, while offering benefits, requires acquiring specific technology upgrades.
Scanning nearby stars
The game’s area control element comes through telescope scanning, allowing players to place signal tokens in different space sectors. When a sector fills with signals, it starts a scoring phase where majority control matters. We’ve been in times where signal placement and timing led to substantial point swings. The strategy here involves deciding whether to spread signals across multiple sectors or concentrate on securing majorities in specific areas.
Technology Development
Tech tiles provide immediate bonuses and permanent abilities, with their dual-sided nature adding more strategy. Players must decide when to research and which side of a tile to prioritize. For example, the immediate bonus might improve a player’s resource position, while the permanent side enhances long-term efficiency. We’ve had played games where early technology investments created strong engines that flew victory. The decision of when to invest in technology versus pursuing immediate scoring opportunities creates a strategic tension.
Life Form Discovery
The actual point of the board game is shown here, where players discover alien species by accumulating trace tokens through various actions. When you think you’ve mastered your probe trajectories, those sneaky Mascamites show up and throw all your carefully laid plans into a cosmic whirlwind! Players mark life traces on discovery spaces for each species. The species is discovered if all three spaces are filled, introducing new strategy options.
Strategic Depth and Replayability
The multi-use makes each game unique, while the alien species and variable board setups add replayability. However, the game’s complexity, particularly during scoring phases, can be overwhelming for some beginners, so try a lighter board game first. Teaching SETI effectively requires breaking down the turn structure and emphasizing the importance of long-term planning.
From a strategic view, it is very important to balance immediate scoring opportunities with long-term engine building. For instance, investing early in telescope technologies allowed us to dominate sector scans in later rounds, a tactic that rewarded us with significant points and publicity.
Interaction and Downtime
Interaction in SETI is subtle yet impactful. Competing for planetary orbits, sector dominance, and limited tech tiles fosters indirect competition. However, the downtime between turns, particularly in a four-player game, occasionally felt prolonged. Playing with our experienced team, which is mostly with quick-decision players, lightened this issue significantly.
Our experience with multiple variants
First Game – Learning
In our initial three-player game, the rulebook’s detailed examples and reference sheets were pointless. The first round was slow as we familiarized ourselves with the card effects and mechanics. By the second round, strategies started to appear, with one player focusing on telescope techs to dominate scanning sectors. At the same time, another prioritized probe was launched to explore the outer planets. Despite the complexity, the game flowed smoothly after the initial learning step.
Highlight Playthrough – 4 Players
One of our most memorable sessions was a 4-player game featuring the Mascamites and Oumuamua alien species. Early in the game, we focused on probe launches, racing to claim orbits around Mars and Jupiter. The mid-game was a heated competition in the scanning sectors, with players leveraging telescope techs to maximize signal placement. The discovery of the Mascamites brought a twist, granting bonuses for previously placed life traces. By the end, the game was won by a player who balanced card play, efficient probe movements, and well-timed solar system rotations to secure high-value milestones.
Solo Experience
Playing solo against the rival institution reveals the game’s puzzle-like nature. The rival’s actions are governed by an automated deck that follows a clear decision tree. For example, the rival prioritizes actions such as winning sectors, acquiring tech, and marking life traces based on a predefined logic. Their progress is tracked using a marker, and they score points for uncompleted objectives. This creates a dynamic and competitive solo mode, though managing their upkeep can be tedious.
Thematic Resonance
From sending probes to distant planets to analyzing data for traces of alien life, every mechanic ties back to its narrative of scientific curiosity and exploration. Including real-world projects like the Voyager probes and theoretical concepts like Oumuamua’s exofossils further cement its appeal to space enthusiasts.
Scoring milestones and managing markers is seen as more mechanical than evocative of groundbreaking discoveries. These moments highlighted the game’s Eurogame roots, where mechanics occasionally overshadow the theme.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- The Solar System Wheel: Not just a gimmick – this rotating mechanism kept us on our toes and made every game feel dynamic.
- Endless Variety: We’re still discovering new combinations after dozens of plays.
- Space Theme is Done Right: We like how the game captures the beauty of space exploration.
- Component Quality: Dual-layer boards and unique artwork enhance the tactile experience.
Weaknesses
- Learning the game: The game’s complexity can overwhelm new players.
- Administration: Scoring and upkeep require careful attention, particularly with newer players or in solo mode.
- Table Space: This game is a table hog. We had to relocate from our regular gaming table to the dining room to fit everything comfortably.
- Decision Overload: With many possible actions and card combinations, some players (especially Alex) got stuck in analysis paralysis. By the end, we were exhausted but satisfied.
Final Thoughts – A Stellar Addition to Any Collection?
SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is a standout title for fans of heavy eurogames and theme developed strategy. A lot of people have said that the game has a similar concept like other board games like Ark Nova or Terraforming Mars, but SETI feels more refined and interactive. Tomáš Holek, while relatively new to the design scene, has shown remarkable talent for creating intricate yet intuitive systems, much like in his previous work on Under Falling Skies.
We’ve found SETI plays best with 2-3 players. Our 4-player games, while enjoyable, tend to run long – our last one clocked in at nearly four hours! The sweet spot is three players, where downtime is manageable, and the competition for board positions feels just right. The solo mode is surprisingly engaging, though be prepared for some bookkeeping.
While both Ark Nova and SETI share a card-driven engine-building core and similar weight in complexity, SETI’s rotating solar system mechanism and focus on area control creates a more interactive experience compared to Ark Nova’s more solitary zoo-building pursuit. And of course, the theme of the game isn’t even similar. Where Ark Nova excels in its conservation and zoo management theme with its extensive animal card variety, SETI shines through its innovative space exploration mechanics that feel more dynamically integrated with its core systems. Both games reward careful planning and strategic card play, but SETI’s shorter playtime (2-3 hours compared to Ark Nova’s 3-4 hours) and more direct player interaction through competing for planetary spots and sector majorities makes it feel more accessible despite its similar strategic depth.
For those considering adding SETI to their collection, we recommend it if you enjoy:
- The strategy that reveals itself over multiple plays
- Theme that enhances gameplay
- Puzzling out efficient action combinations
- Space exploration themes backed by solid mechanics
However, it might only be for you if you prefer shorter games under 90 minutes or prefer keeping track of multiple scoring conditions. For a spaced theme game, try Apiary. We’re not saying it is similar; it is for people who like space-themed games.
Much like searching for extraterrestrial intelligence, patience and persistence are rewarded. Though, unlike real SETI scientists, we find aliens in this one! Even after more than 5 plays, we’re still discovering new strategies and card combinations… While it may only hit the table a few weeks due to its length and complexity, SETI has become a modern classic in our collection. It offers excellent value at around $70-80, considering the component quality and replay value. Despite occasional forgotten income collection or missed scoring opportunities, its achievements far outweigh its flaws, making it a standout title in an era of countless board game releases.
