In the UK, this was followed by a Games Workshop version, then Mayfair games produced it.

The game is simplicity itself to play. Each player begins controlling its own five planets. To win, you have to take control of five other planets belonging to the other players. You do this by sending some of your units to another planet and drawing challenge cards against each other. Highest card wins and takes control of the planet.

The twist of the game comes from the fact that each player has several 'powers' to choose from, either selected specifically at start of play, or selected randomly. These 'powers' change the rules slightly and it is this interactivity of the changed rules through these powers that makes the game so much fun to play.

A game that has been around over 20 years and is still going has to have something going for it.

The original Eon game extended to 9 expansion packs. Unfortunately I only obtained Expansion 1 and 2 which added a 5th and 6th player plus extra Power cards, and Expansion 5 which added 100 moons to the game. See the Cosmic Encounter FAQ for further information.

SUMMARY:
It goes without saying that I reccomend this game. If you're wondering why I say Talisman is a similar game, it's because the different characters in that game act very much like the Alien Powers in this game. (At least for the Edition 1 that I have).

Review by Brian