Xia: Legends of a Drift System is a game I first found out about via Kickstarter.com, probably about a year ago now.
It is not the sort of game which generally grabs my attention, but the idea of space exploration in a competitive atmosphere, with a game offering a number of player ship options, and a modular board which changes game-to-game, drew me in.
“Customize your starship, explore, trade, mine, fight and become a Legend! A three-five player sandbox style tabletop miniatures adventure,” is the lead in on the company website at www.faroffgames.com, which just plain sounds fun.
“Each player starts out as lowly but hopeful captain of a small starship. Players will fly their ships about the system, completing a variety of missions, exploring new sectors and battling other ships. Navigating hazardous environments, Captains can choose to mine or trade valuable commodities. Players will vie with each other for Titles, riches, and most importantly Fame. Players must take advantage of opportunities as they arise in order to maximize gaining Fame Points. The most adaptive, risky, and creative players will excel. One captain will rise above the others, surpassing mortality by becoming Legend.”
The game, from designer Cody Miller, provides player with a large range of options, including ships, and once your space craft is fitted out with gear, players can undertake to accumulate points toward winning in a number of ways.
Play style will start with ship design.
In Xia, there are a number of ships, all supported with great little pre-painted miniatures. Each player begins the game by choosing and customizing a Tier 1 starship.
With money in-hand, and more earned through game play, players can invest in engines and be a speedy, if not very durable explorer.
You can opt for armaments and be a force in the ‘Drift’.
Put all your credits into an uber missile and watch other players flee in terror. Get a small engine and save space and credits to invest in buying and selling cargo. Or create a well-rounded ship, ready for anything. In Xia, the choice is always yours.
Players are not confined to a particular play approach. They may choose to be peaceful traders, pirates, miners, or several others path which can all end in victory.
The game board is randomly laid out and explored each time you play, which is always a big bonus in terms of a game’s re-playability.
With all the options, Xia is a tad ‘bits-happy’ so grab a plastic storage tray to help keep things straight right from the start.
Because of the detailed options, the game is not a quick play. You need some set-up time, and depending how grand a scope you undertake, playtime will require a full evening to play.
In some respects the game reminds me of a video game in its overall ‘feel’.
After interviewing its designer I understand why.
“I actually grew up playing computer games – that’s my primary gaming experience. It was only in my twenties that I took a break from video games, and I discovered the wonder world of table top gaming,” he said.
“Well – Xia isn’t inspired by a single thing,” he said. “Star Wars, Star Trek, Cowboy Bebop, Escape Velocity, Tie Fighter, Freelancer, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy etc. I really like Sci-fi, and so I just added bits that seemed to make sense for Xia.”
The reason for the varied influences may have something to with the years involved in design.
“I spent nine-years in total – from the inception until the retail product,” said Miller. “About six of those years – Xia was just a hobby, I was making it for me and my friends, just to see if I could. The last three-years
If you like space-themed games, want to delve into ship development, game play versatility, and exploration, then Xia is one to look for.
