That’s right. Supernova is now on the shelves of your Friendly Local Game Store, as well as being available at various online retailers.

Pick up your copy today! (use both hands, it’s a heavy one)

To commemorate the event, Chooi from the UK has provided me with an updated version of the FAQ in a handy, formatted Word Document. Download it here. Thanks, Chooi!

Hi all,

After receiving quite a few Rules questions about Supernova over at its BGG page, I decided to compile them all into a better FAQ here on the official site. I hope that this might help clarify some questions that people have when playing.

I’m considering putting these questions into a printable PDF file for easier referencing. I will post here when that is complete.

As originally posted on the BoardGameGeek.

Part 1…

What is the point of the game? How does it play?

Well, the point of the game is to become the galactic grand poobah (my term). That, and to lay the smack down on your friends. This, of course, differs from what the rules (read the rules here: http://www.supernovagame.com/Supernova_Rules.pdf) say, but I have to be more ‘professional’ in the rules. As for how it plays, if you haven’t already read the rules, I’ll summarize.

Each player represents a space-faring civilization, attempting to colonize new worlds and expand their influence across the galaxy when they learn their co-habited solar system is about to be blown to smithereens by the upcoming supernova of their Sun. You lay tiles onto the board each turn, each of which represents your influence in that region of space. The more space that you have influence over at the end of the game, the more points you get. The civilization (player) with the most points wins and becomes the aforementioned poobah. Ahhh, but it’s not that simple. Over the course of the game, you may spend some money to increase your technologies. You can boost Shields or Weapons to intimidate and/or blast your opponents, or you can raise your Engines or Comms, with which you can expand faster or hold more Battle Cards, respectively. What’s this about Battle cards? Oh, right. Anytime you want to take a spot on the board which one of your friends have already taken (or vice versa), you have to fight over it (the more smack talk, the better). For this, you use Battle Cards. You may use them in a variety of combinations to try to win the Battle. You then take into account each player’s level of Weapons/Shields and the height of their stack of tiles to determine the winner. Planets and Moons are valuable as they convey extra points during and at the end of the game while also providing a bonus and income (respectively).

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Some hints to keep in mind when playing Supernova…

Playing Battle Cards

Bluffing is not just recommended but essential. Attack with unexpected cards, such as two 1s. Utilize the ability to increment Battle to your advantage by intimidating your opponent. The less cards you attack with in a single Battle results in your hand being less depleted for an additional attack. Use attrition as a possible means to an end.

Taking Planets

Planets are valuable. However, so is Desperation! Use the Desperation card to build up your capabilites; don’t take a planet from your opponents until you’re strong enough to keep it. The most critical time to hold a planet is at the Phase scoring rounds at the end of each Phase. Until then, concentrate on building your Battle hand and Technologies.

Technologies

Technologies not only help you, they intimidate. If you spread your money across all techs, you will be well-balanced, but possibly also an easy target. Consider investing slightly heavier in one tech to make yourself a more formidable opponent. A player holding 7 Battle Cards is a less attractive proposition than one holding 4.

Fortifications and “Turtling”

Fortifying and area enclosure are good tactics. Remember though, the aim of the game is expansion. By fortifying too much or simply limiting yourself to an enclosed area, you are limiting your ability to gain more points. Plus, your opponents might get ticked at you and attack en masse. Good luck with that.

Bidding on the Solar Flare

This is not only a way for you to knock out some of your opponent’s tiles, but also a way to get a footing on the other side of the board. Take control of the Solar Flare when it is most important to you. Don’t forget that every RU you bid is equal to a point at the end of the game, just like each of your tiles… so don’t bid too much!

Diplomacy

Hey, it doesn’t say anywhere that you can’t trade, bribe, connive and claw your way to the top…