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The Joy of Unboxing: Theseus: The Dark Orbit

By June 12, 2014August 28th, 2019Boardgames, Unboxing, Videos

I think it’s safe to assume it isn’t a zombie.

Ripping off the shrinkwrap on a copy of Theseus: The Dark Orbit by Portal Games

It’s been wall-to-wall miniatures games around here lately so it was with great satisfaction that I recently received a copy of Theseus: The Dark Orbit, which safely arived after a three month journey from Portal Games in Poland.

This is a beautifully produced and well-designed tactical board game with an excellent theme: several factions (marines, aliens, scientists, and ET ‘Greys’) vying for control of an abandoned space station. And it’s from the designer of the well-regarded Neuroshima Hex.

And thankfully, for a change, no miniatures to paint! Though, now that I think of it, I wonder how it would look if I added some …

I’ve already played a couple of games of Theseus: The Dark Orbit and had a great time. Keep an eye out for the rules summary and a review, coming soon!

8 Comments

  • Thomas Covert says:

    Please tell me you are working on a player aid for this, the rules could have been so much clearer than they are.

  • Thomas Covert says:

    So what did you think of this game?

    • Universal Head says:

      I’ve played it twice with 3 players and had a ball. Some would find it too chaotic, but I don’t mind that kind of thing. Apparently with 2 players it changes quite a lot and becomes more strategic. Since your movement value depends on the number of people in your sector, it’s harder to plan ahead with more than 2 players.

      But I think it’s thematic, well-produced and fun. Review coming when I get some more plays in (and some 2 player games).

  • Tom says:

    Hey Peter how would you compare this one to Level 7 [Omega Protocol]? Scratch the same itch or different?

    Thanks!

    • Universal Head says:

      Completely different. Level 7 [Omega Protocol] is a squad-level, tactical miniatures ‘dungeoncrawler’ with map tiles and scenarios, more like Descent; this one is a ‘normal’ board game. Very different itches.

  • Daniel says:

    It’s a wonderful site you have here. I visit almost every day. I’ve downloaded your rulessummaries for games that I don’t even own… yet.
    I know you must be very busy and get lots of requests. But have you ever considered buying Eclipse. I would love to see a summary for that amazing game.

    Thanks again for a great boardgame site.
    Best wishes from Sweden.

    • Universal Head says:

      Hi Daniel – we love regular visitors!

      I do get a lot of requests, and there is only so much time to do summaries for games I own, let alone others. I’m sorry but there are no current plans to do Eclipse; I find it a bit dry for my tastes. Sorry to disappoint!

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