Impulse

A space 4X where the map is made of cards, and you reshape it every turn.

Designer: Carl Chudyk
Published by: Asmadi Games
Editions by: Czacha Games

Impulse is a space 4X game that fits on a table made of cards. The map is a hex of face-down sector cards, each with a color, a size and an action, and your cards connect along their edges. On your turn you add a card from your hand to the map, then use its action: move cruisers to patrol and shoot enemy transports, or send transports to activate the sectors they stand in. You explore, expand, exploit and, yes, exterminate, in about an hour. Up to six can play, though three is the sweet spot. Think of it as a compact space empire that is mostly about reading the map as it unfolds, with a fair bit of bluff and hand management on top.

Modular map of sector cardsCruisers patrol, transports activate sectorsColors and sizes tie cards together

Who it's for

You like space conquest but not four-hour setups, and you are happy to play a game that you learn mostly by doing.

Not for you if…

You want a peaceful builder with little conflict. Ships get shot down, and the card icons take a game or two to read.

Vibe's take

Quick, tactical and a little brain-bending. The map changes under your feet each turn, so you are constantly rereading what a single card does to your position.