Advancing Into Era 2 with a Custom Deep Future Galaxy
Step back into the sprawling adventure of a custom galaxy as it advanced to another era in Deep Future.
Although not a major part of my hobby time, I often turn to solo RPGs when I want to make a game experience feel all my own. Solo board games are excellent, yet it’s typically not possible to customize them. Then I came across Deep Future. Not only is the galaxy filled with my creations, but the mechanics continue to offer many sorts of challenges!
Game Overview
Game Name: Deep Future
Publication Year: 2016
Designer: R. Winder
Artist: R. Winder
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
This isn’t exactly the most photogenic game, but don’t judge this one by its print-and-play appearance. Focus on that nice shiny price tag that’s about as close to nothing as possible! What really makes this stand out for me is how it evolves over time. As I entered a new era, I had a new situation to work through. So many neutral discs!
First Play
August 23, 2020
Complexity
3
Latest Play
September 2, 2023
Expansions
0
Setup Time
5 Minutes
Lifetime Plays
4
Play Time
1 Hour & 45 Minutes
High Score
N/A
Game Area
24" x 12"
Low Score
N/A
The Best Homeworld
When I created the original worlds, I drew the most unique card in The Badger Deck. Among all the value 1-6 cards, this is the only one with a special design.
It reminded me of my parakeet, Kirkwood, who passed away years ago. With its first advancement as machinery, it seemed fitting to name it Kirkwork. Ha ha!
This world already had a bit of a history, having been under the control of Ordoxinzybov M-6. Then…
Space pirates attacked. This rather small world had to survive when the M-6s fell. What would this era bring?
Important Links and Information
For reference, these are the documents I use during play for rules, cards, and logs:
- Deep Future Rules: My set of rewritten rules that helped me learn the game better, complete with my deck icons.
- Deep Future Cards: My reference list of cards with all of the details about the contents of my deck.
- Deep Future Log: My turn-by-turn chronology of every action and challenge for more stories later on.
This section may become redundant in the future, but I want to make it simple to follow along wherever you begin!
Survival Instincts
Kirkwork began in a busy galaxy. The success of Woldin still sent waves through space. Of more importance, though, was the continued rise of the space pirates.
They were a constant threat around Kirkwork. With limited resources, a show of power would be foolish.
Instead, the Kirkworkians braved the emptiness for a chance to take control of Woldin. It was a bold move that took many, many decades to choreograph.
Meanwhile, technologies like de-escalation ions and revolving space cogs kept Kirkwork well-protected.
On the Brink
Life was far from easy for the Kirkworkians, although work was a part of their lives. Nearly every part of their civilization was on the edge of destruction.
Challenge after challenge strained the world. Rapid expansion and an expensive fleet backfired many times.
Even the unknown Xeno became a noticeable threat. From beyond the edges of the galaxy, they entered to meddle with every part of the plan, every step of the way.
Then came the social change steel. Coupled with the great cultural sway of Kirkwork, it fended off the threats.
The Full Tableau
Victory! At just about the last possible moment, I completed the third tech. A single failed challenge was about to spell the end, too. Perfect timing!
Early on, I struggled to keep up with the upkeep costs. The spread of advancements wasn’t as diverse as I needed it to be, which made it hard to pay for most of them.
I also had lofty goals for a few cards that I ended up giving up for upkeep costs. The decisions can be very hard!
Perhaps settling Borphon and Woldin was unnecessary, yet I had those ready to assist in the worst-case scenario.
Session Overview
Play Number: 3
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Play Details: Era 2, Game 1
Required Play Space: 24″ x 12″
Setup Time: 5 Minutes
Play Time: 1 Hour & 30 Minutes
Outcome: Win (Culture)
Another culture victory! This appears to be specializing part of my deck, although it’s definitely not the only way to win. My galaxy is captured right here… In a deck of just about 40 cards. How awesome is that?! I’m loving this!
%
1 Play
Affordability
Price & Value
10
Functionality
Challenges & Mechanics
9
Originality
Design & Theme
9
Quality
Components & Rules
8
Reusability
Achievement & Enjoyment
6
Variability
Distinctness & Randomness
9
+ Pros (Positives)
- As the eras pass, completed cards and new cards create additional opportunities for choices each round.
- Each card can be used in multiple ways so that decisions are rarely easy, and plans often change.
- The galaxy evolves over time but is completely unique, populated by unique worlds and techs.
- A trio of advancements consists of the basis for every technology, and naming each one is a fun activity.
- Play time may seem a little lengthy, yet it’s simple to pause partway through or just play a few rounds at once.
- The mechanics and unique aspects rival many professionally produced board games: This one is almost free.
– Cons (Negatives)
- Many of the rules are written in a confusing way so that the initial learning process can be cumbersome.
- An investment of time is needed to get through a few games and eras, which is when strategies start to blossom.
- Some way of crafting a deck is needed, either physically or digitally, and this may not appeal to everyone.
- It can be hard to track the actions taken during a round without the use of a log or other custom method.
Continue the Conversation
Have you crafted Deep Future? What is your deck like? My version requires a lot of cross-referencing, which can be a little time-consuming. I just like the fact that I can reuse The Badger Deck without any issues, though! Further eras should see even more possible options for what to do with each card. I’m excited to see what’s next for this galaxy!
Thank you for the rules clarifications. I just built the game and started playing. I lost the first four games, largely because I did not understand the rules. I am very much looking forward to better results in the future.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad this other interpretation of the rules is useful for learning it. There’s an excellent game here that you make your very own. Best of luck in the future… The deep future. Ha ha!