The Final Frontier (1997)

About this game

An ambitious DTP microgame, The Final Frontier incorporates space exploration and combat, space-surface interaction, multiple types of movement (within and between systems), colonization and mining, economics, and the effect of national interest on Earth. Players represent global powers competing to expand into, colonize, and exploit the solar system, within the context of global conflict and economic problems. Game scale is 2 months per turn and one AU per hex. Components include a map, 280 counters, player aid sheets, and the rules.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 2.6/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.