Planetarium
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 45 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.1 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Planetarium is a solar-system-building game for 1-4 players in which you crash matter tokens onto orbiting planets, then play Evolution cards to transform those planets from hostile to habitable, or vice versa, depending on your secret goal. On your turn you move a matter or planet token along its orbit; landing on another token lets you collect it, fueling the cards you'll play next. Evolution cards range from asteroid impacts to atmospheric shifts, each nudging a planet's development and scoring points as you go. With input from a NASA planetary scientist, the game layers real astronomical concepts onto its set-collection and movement mechanics. It's a quietly clever, science-flavored strategy game about shaping a solar system from scratch.
Hobbli's Notes
Planetarium's science-grounded theme is its biggest strength; the way planets evolve from hostile to habitable based on the cards you feed them feels genuinely tied to real planetary science. The orbital movement puzzle of catching the right tokens at the right time gives it more bite than its calm presentation suggests. It's a lower-profile release that deserves more attention from fans of thoughtful, medium-weight strategy games.
What we like
- Unique orbital movement mechanic tied to a real astronomy theme.
- Secret end-game goals add hidden strategic tension.
- Solo mode makes it accessible for one player.
- Beautiful space-themed art across cards and board.
Keep in mind
- Relatively low profile means fewer players to learn strategies from.
- Turn structure can feel repetitive over multiple plays.
- Scoring and goal-tracking add bookkeeping overhead.
Who it's for
Good for science-minded strategy gamers ages 10+, playable solo or with up to 4 players.
