It has been very quiet over the last years on the Cosmic Encounter front from Fantasy Flight Games. A title I look at through rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia, sitting down with my sister and cousins in a classic game of alien invasion, taking control of enemy planets.

Fantasy Flight Games took on the title back in 2008, with a new edition and expansions providing new opportunities across the galaxy. The last expansion we saw for the title was Cosmic Aeons back in 2016, with no additions to the game since then. Although, we did get an updated 42-years anniversary core set!

A new expansion is on the horizon for Cosmic Encounters, bringing Cosmic Odyssey to the forefront in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the game. As Fantasy Flight claims Cosmic Odyssey to be the biggest, and most impressive Cosmic Encounters expansion yet.

Cosmic Encounter - Cosmic Odyssey Expansion // Fantasy Flight Games

The box is choc-a-bloc full of new game features, introducing a new campaign mode for players to get stuck into, 30 different aliens to meet and greet, 12 "alternate timelines" which will allow different outcomes for previous revisits, new space stations, technology, hazards and brand new features such as lux and moons. Truly extending on the core box and game, bringing new life into the title.

Campaign Log // Cosmic Encounter Cosmic Odyssey

If you have never played Cosmic Encounter before, 3-5 players will work their hardest to create their own galactic empire. They will become rulers of many a planet, requiring players to engage with different alien races who each hold a unique ability.

Heading out to explore different colonies held by opponents, players will aim to collect five different colonies by flexing strategy, offence and diplomacy to win the game. The one thing I loved about the title was that there could be more than one winner, so long as they meet the winning targets - they too can be a master ruler.

Card Preview // Cosmic Encounter Cosmic Odyssey

With the 30 different alien species making their way onto the game, players will be meeting some new and intriguing lifeforms. Whether that be a floating hive of bubbles, or flexing some old favourites with new artwork.

The new campaign mode will place players on an adventure across different cosmological “ages”, raking in prices along their journey. Alike the regular game mode, more than one player can achieve victory if they have met the winning conditions.

Card and Component Preview // Cosmic Odyssey Expansion

Considering that this is being branded "massive", it certainly makes me question the size of the box! Wondering as the box is titled "Campaign Expansion" if we can expect the same alignment with the campaign expansions for Arkham Horror and Lord of the Rings LCG.

It's for sure interesting to see Cosmic Encounter in the limelight again with a new and huge expansion underway. The title is now available to be preordered, ready to be released this August.

What do you think of Cosmic Encounter returning with a new and updated expansion?