SMOOSH JUICE
Space Agencies Arrive for SETI, Wisps Wander through Woods, and Galaxy Truckers Do What?! | BoardGameGeek News
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▪️ Tomáš Holek‘s SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence has been surfing BGG’s The Hotness since its SPIEL Essen 24 debut from publisher Czech Games Edition, and now CGE has revealed an expansion that will be released one orbit around the sun after the base game.
Here’s an overview of SETI: Space Agencies, which will debut at SPIEL Essen 25:
As the leader of one of these institutions — ranging from private tech companies to global research networks — you’ll bring a distinct perspective and specialized tools to the mission, unlocking bold new strategies and rewarding long-term planning.
In addition to these organizations, the expansion adds three new alien species, each with their own unique twists, and over forty new project cards inspired by real-world initiatives. These integrate seamlessly into the main deck, providing even greater variety and strategic options.
“Quick Start” cards, designed for use with the organizations, let you skip the slower opening round and dive straight into the action. They introduce an extra layer of asymmetry during set-up and can be used to further accelerate games in lower player counts.
Finally, the expansion introduces signal tokens, a subtle but meaningful new mechanism that enhances scanning efficiency.
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▪️ Another CGE title will receive an expansion a few months earlier, with Galaxy Trucker: Do What?! due out at the end of July 2025.
This second expansion for Vlaada Chvátil‘s Galaxy Trucker (Second Edition) is co-designed by Chvátil, Dávid Jablonovský and Tibor Vizi, and it features two big modules for seasoned truckers — Missions and VIP Astronauts — as well as a turn-based mode for a more laid-back experience. Here’s the pitch:
In Galaxy Trucker: Do What?!, you’ll get the chance to undertake missions that might — quite literally — blow your mind. Escort aliens with special powers, build crazy ships beyond human imagination, place bets, and laugh in the face of danger. Win the annual Transgalactic Trek — the most prestigious trucking achievement in the known universe — and join Club Gold! Or at least cross the finish line on a toilet seat, but alive.
If hauling boombastic or suspiciously glowing cargo isn’t wild enough, take it up a notch with some supercards! After all, what’s a galactic mission without a good old meteor shower, eh?
We all know how important connections are in life. On your adventures, you’ll meet many high-profile VIPs and even have the opportunity to earn some serious cash by becoming their space taxi driver! Some of the prominent passengers just want to have fun, even if it means smuggling goods in pipes, boosting weapons, or flying away with a part of your ship!
P.S. Having quality life insurance is highly recommended…just in case.
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▪️ In addition to SETI: Space Agencies, at SPIEL Essen 25 CGE will release Wispwood, the debut title from U.S. designer Reed Ambrose. Here’s an overview of this 1-4 player game:
A curious cat prowls into the forest, lured by flickering lights of all colors dancing through the trees. What are they? Oh, the wisps from the old tales! Each one sparkles with charm and mischief, carrying a unique personality. Can you guide them just right and make your forest the brightest?
Welcome to Wispwood, a magical place populated by glowing wisps. On your turn, choose a wisp tile and a shape to place in your personal grid — your very own growing forest. Each wisp has desires about where it wants to shine, and even the magical trees have preferences! You’ll aim to meet their expectations across three scoring rounds. Between rounds, the forest shifts — fading and expanding — yet the wisps you’ve already placed remain, shaping the possibilities ahead.
With each game, new goal cards redefine the wisps’ whims, ensuring your forest grows in a unique way every time. Enter the forest and explore the magic of Wispwood!