Games Unplugged Review – Cosmic Encounter (Avalon Hill)

Originally Published in Games Unplugged – March 2001 The latest release of Cosmic Encounter by Avalon Hill marks roughly the third incarnation of this game (depending on how one counts such things). Originally developed by Eon Games it was subsequently distributed briefly by West End Games and Games Workshop before ending up with Mayfair Games, and then disappearing with that company’s demise a few years back. Despite its somewhat rocky history, the game has established itself as a classic – arguably the best boardgame ever designed. The concept: You play an alien race which is attempting to invade the home worlds of the other players and establish colonies there. You do so by sending ships from your homeworlds to attack the homeworlds of other players. You can also ally (and have other players ally with you) during these attacks. The more ships you risk on attacks, the fewer you have to defend your own planets. The catch: Each alien race has a special power – allowing them to break…