BoardGame Verdict
91

Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy(Second Dawn)

(2020)

Lautapelit.fi

A 4X strategy game where players control vast interstellar civilizations, exploring new star systems, researching technologies, building fleets, and competing for galactic dominance. This second edition features optimized gameplay and upgraded components from the original Eclipse: New Dawn for the Galaxy.

91

The Verdict

based on 21 reviews

Positive 0%
A condensed and accessible 4X experience with a manageable playtime.
High-quality production with excellent miniatures and useful GameTrayz inserts.
Deep ship customization and a varied technology tree.
Engaging and clever action selection system.
Scales well across different player counts, from two to six players.
The high price point is a significant consideration for many.
While shorter than similar games, it can still have a lengthy playtime where players can be eliminated from contention early.
A degree of randomness in exploration and combat can lead to unbalanced situations.
The rulebook's setup instructions could be clearer.
100
The Brothers Murph, NickVideo

The Brothers Murph regard "Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy" as a highly enjoyable and fun 4X space game, particularly appreciating its immersive experience for extended play sessions.

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95
BoardGameBollocks, BoardGameBollocksVideo

The reviewer enthusiastically praises 'Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy' as a brilliant and terrific game, highlighting its successful blend of Euro core and wargame elements, excellent play time, and accessibility, making it one of the best board game experiences.

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95
Shut Up & Sit Down, QuinnsVideo

Quinns enthusiastically endorses "Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy" as an exceptionally worthwhile game, even surpassing his previous favorite wargame despite its considerable size, cost, and potentially dry elements.

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95
MeepleTown, MeepleTownVideo

The reviewer expressed a strong love for "Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy," praising its thematic depth, ship building, and technology research, and even preferring it over another highly-rated game. However, they noted that the game is not ideal for two players and performs better with higher player counts.

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95
Man vs Meeple, Man vs MeepleVideo

The reviewer enthusiastically praises Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy as an all-time favorite and the quintessential 4X game, noting its phenomenal graphical improvements and the fantastic dynamic of its core gameplay.

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95
The Cardboard Herald, Jack from The Cardboard HeraldVideo

The reviewer highly praises 'Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy,' calling it an exceptional 4X game that successfully modernizes the original while retaining its core identity, offering a fluid mix of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination.

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95
Fuzzy Llama Reviews, Fuzzy Llama ReviewsArticle

In my humble opinion, this is THE space game to be playing. This is a game that NEEDS to be played.

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95
Geeks Under GraceArticle

Geeks Under Grace highly praises "Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy," noting its success in blending economic gameplay with space combat and exploration, making it a faster and more playable alternative to similar games. The reviewer considers it the definitive edition and one of the best physical editions of a big box board game ever.

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90
The Board Meeting, Bumbling Through DungeonsVideo

The reviewer praises Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy as an engaging and streamlined space epic that has become a favored choice over more complex alternatives for their gaming group, acknowledging that while personal desire to replay can be impacted by early defeat, the game itself does a brilliant job.

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90
Board of itVideo

The reviewer highly praises "Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy" as one of the best board game experiences available, noting its successful combination of classic space 4X elements with a strong Eurogame core. They emphasize that the game excels at all player counts.

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90
3 Minute Board GamesVideo

The reviewer highlights 'Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy' as an excellent and highly engaging 4X space board game, praising its streamlined gameplay and compelling strategic choices that make for a rewarding experience.

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90
Bumbling Through DungeonsArticle

Bumbling Through Dungeons finds 'Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy' to be a compelling and accessible alternative to other grand space epics like Twilight Imperium, offering similar excitement with a more streamlined gameplay experience that has made it a preferred choice for their gaming group.

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