ISS Vanguard

ISS Vanguard

AdventureExplorationLicensed / AdaptedScience Fiction
Players
1-4
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
2 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
120 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
13+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
3.7 / 5
Year
2022

About the game

ISS Vanguard is a cooperative campaign game for 1-4 players in which crews of security, recon, science, and engineering specialists explore the galaxy aboard humanity's first deep-space vessel. Each session alternates between a Ship Management phase, where players research technology, recruit crew, and choose destinations, and a Planetary Exploration phase, where a small away team lands to explore, gather resources, and face threats under a ticking supply timer. A branching narrative system built from Mission Logs delivers story choices and consequences that carry across sessions. With over 100 unique crew members and an app-free campaign structure, it offers a deep sci-fi adventure for long-term play.

Hobbli's Notes

ISS Vanguard delivers an impressively deep campaign experience without leaning on a companion app, which is a real achievement for a game this complex. The dual-phase structure of ship management and planetary exploration keeps sessions varied, and the branching narrative gives real weight to player choices. It's a big investment in time, components, and rules-learning, so it rewards a group ready to commit to a long-running story.

What we like

  • The branching Mission Log narrative gives real consequence to player choices.
  • Dual-phase structure keeps ship management and exploration feeling distinct.
  • Solo play is well supported and satisfying on its own.
  • Over 100 unique crew members add long-term variety.

Keep in mind

  • Component and setup overhead is substantial.
  • The campaign is a long-term commitment across many sessions.
  • The learning curve is steep in the first few plays.
  • Storage and organization of components can be demanding.

Who it's for

Great for small groups or solo players ages 13+ who enjoy deep, narrative-driven sci-fi campaigns with a long-term commitment.

Mechanics

Cooperative GameDice RollingNarrative Choice / ParagraphDraftingScenario / Mission / Campaign GameSolo / Solitaire GameStorytellingVariable Player Powers

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