Pocket Imperium (2013)

About this game

War has erupted across the Imperium! Four spacefaring races struggle for supremacy, launching fleets of starships across the galaxy to battle for control of the most prosperous systems. Only one race will successfully Expand, Explore, Exploit and Exterminate their way to victory! Pocket Imperium is a 4X microgame. Players will need to use the opportunities to expand, explore, exploit and exterminate to their best advantage. The timing of when to build fleets, when to explore the stars, and when to invade systems controlled by opponents will be crucial in their quest to rule the Imperium. What's more, in a crowded galaxy, players must choose wisely when to make alliances to bring down powerful enemies — and when to break those pacts to critically weaken their former allies!

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 1.9/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.