Unpub Preview: Near Space

Let's take a deeper look at  Near Space,  which is scheduled to appear at the Valhalla's Gate Unpub Mini from 12pm to 8pm on Saturday May 11, 2013!

Near Space, designed by Casey Clark and Gabe Ivan is a dice based war game with high level of depth and good replay value.

The description provided by the designers sets the stage for this innovative game... "In Near Space players take on the roles of stellar empires fighting for survival and supremacy. The field of cards between the homeworlds defines nearspace and the resources that both players have to work with. The warships that the two opponents bring to battle are dice. Any polyhedral die works as a ship for Near Space. The number of facets on a die are the strength of it armaments and defenses. A ship’s color is used to define the job of a ship and the design specifications involved."

Let's hear a little more about Near Space from the designers...

What was your inspiration for Near Space? The question "Can a gamer have too many dice?". Thus we pulled together a game that uses every dice you may have in a game of startegic and tactical conflict.

What is your favorite part of Near Space? The rush of engaging the enemy with the balance of the game on the line. Also, the give and take of responding to your opponent's build and tactics.

To your knowledge, What do other people find most interesting about Near Space? The simplicity and ease of play while providing a high level of depth and replay.

What has been the most challenging part of designing Near Space?  Finding the balance between cards, dice both with passive and dynamic variables.

What advice would you give to players attempting Near Space for the first time? Progress slowly establishing a good base of resources and then build into an offensive force. Never devote yourself to one tactic. Respond to the board and your opponent.

What has surprised you most in play-tests of Near Space? Most play-testers after getting their feet wet want to immediately return to the game with an idea on how to break the game, or string together an unbeatable position.

People who like___________ will like Near Space. Why?  Risk, Similarity of play but with a shifting play surface and far more variables in offense and defense.

 Come play Near Space at the Valhalla's Gate Unpub Mini from12pm to 8pm on Saturday May 11, 2013!

Find out more about the game at the Near Space page on the Spartacus Publishing website!