Let's Talk Theseus: The Dark Orbit

I remember a fair amount of discussion about this game a few years ago when I wasn't doing much board gaming, so I didn't really pay attention. However, I notice that it and its two expansions sell pretty cheaply these days. In reading over rules and a couple reviews, it seems very mechanically-driven (i.e. not much in the way of chrome or theme.) Is that true? Is it basically Mancala with a theme pasted on? The cards seem to belie that, in that they will significantly alter how the game is played, not only for your own faction but in interacting with others. Any thoughts? Still worth playing or trying to acquire a copy?

I have never played Mancala. But Theseus is one of the best games I have ever played. While the movement system is very "gamey", once everyone understands and accepts it, it can be used for great screwage. You have to plan several steps ahead AND plan your opponent's moves too! It can be a brain burner. Don't play it with more than 2 people.

The expansions are great if you are a fan of the game. Hunters may be over-powered... but I am not sure. The factions all behave in a unique manner. They don't feel dry at all, and they all do things you'd expect. I think my favorite was the Scientists, but it's been quite some time since my copy has hit the table.

I love this game. Played it maybe 10 times, plays very quickly. 2 or 3 is what you're looking for for players... in some ways this is at its best with 2 players because it becomes quite chess-like for a hobby game. Wrote this about it:

therewillbe.games/articles-five-second-r...-of-negative-choices

Still stand behind all of it. The game is basically an elaborate trap game with lots of cool interaction on an *incredibly* simple turn to turn choice structure. Have but haven't played the expansions.

The "mancala" thing is a stretch. All it is is that when you move a thing, you move it one space for each thing already n the space it's in. That's it.

Theseus is a great game that I want to play more. It's like Neuroshima Hex (same designer) in that it's a lot more puzzly than it lets on, but the theme means really fun narratives emerge. And the different factions interact in interesting ways.

It's best with two, in my opinion. I think with three it would be a little too chaotic and with more it would just be nuts. But it might be fun nuts; I've never tried.

The only time I played with more than 2 was when we tried a 3 player game, but I played as the "5th" faction which is a virus that gloms on to other factions. I actually don't remember how it played out. But that is a viable way to go past 2 players.

I just played with 3 a few weeks ago. It was fun but it is better as a 2 player game. Also I don't know any other game I suck harder at. I just can't seem to wrap my brain how to set things up beyond a turn or two in the future, so for me it is basically an exercise in tactics and not strategy = I lose a lot. But its great fun!

I love this game, one of my favorites, but yes, it’s hard to feel good at it but that’s more because there really isn’t anything else out there like it. However, if you’re the kind of person who is concerned about a game being mechanical and unthemeatic, look elsewhere. That’s not what this game is about.

This is what I wrote about it back in 2015--still recommend it--still play it.

therewillbe.games/forum/35-mos-eisley-ca...ng?start=2850#201799

I feel like secretly this game is one of TWBG/F:AT's favorite games even though it doesn't come up much. I know a few people hate it, but broadly it's one of those things everyone really likes but we don't have long conversations about it.

Just reread your review, stoic. I think bringing up a predator/prey vibe is spot on.

I lost interest when I saw that one of the components appeared to be a spreadsheet on a coaster.

The health/point track?

I bought it last time it was discussed here, about 2-3 years ago. Haven't gotten it to the table. It looks fun I guess.

If a fellow FATtie wants it, I'll sell it on the cheap.

Shellhead wrote: I lost interest when I saw that one of the components appeared to be a spreadsheet on a coaster.

I just rolled my eyes so hard I might now be blind.

The spreadsheet is within the green circle marked "1" in this picture:

speakingofhisgames.files.wordpress.com/2...us-boards.png?w=1108

Yeah, that's just a health tracker, and some factions also gain research points. It is not complicated in any way.