2-6 Players -- 10 to adult
play time: 45 minutes
publisher: Rio Grande Games
list price: $14.95
author: Uwe Rosenberg
artist: Bjorn Pertoft
"The Universe is filled with infinite bean fields. Join the voyages of the galactic bean traders in their search for valuable SpaceBeans. Lightyears from earth, they travel among the stars to bean fields where no man has gone before. the trader who finishes the voyage with the most valuable SpaceBeans is crowned the "Lord ruler of the Beaniverse.""
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Even with six players, this game didn't take 45 minutes. Thirty minutes, tops. We found this to be a fast-paced, enjoyable game.
I've not played any of the 'bean'-type games, though I am familiar with them. I picked this one due to the sci-fi theme, which appeals to me and to my sons. However, my boys don't enjoy it nearly as much as my wife, daughter, and I do. The three of us have played this quite a bit since Christmas.
There isn't a lot of strategy involved in this game -- collect beans, cash them in when you can. Cash them in early and get fewer points, or hang on to try to get more points -- but there's just enough to keep it interesting.
We play this fast, barely time to think, and our speed helps to keep our interest. We play and pass the cards quickly, thinking and planning ahead and only the unusual draw will slow it down. The sci-fi theme is totally unnecessary -- it's a chance for some fun art. It makes me wonder if the other bean-themed games are played differently or are they very much the same, with different themes.
I'm disappointed that my boys aren't as interested in this game, as it is difficult to find games for five players, though my youngest (10 years old) did play with us again this evening and seemed to enjoy himself much more.
I anticipate that this game will get a lot of play time in our house ... it's quick, it's easy, it's fun.
Recommended, with four stars!
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