Jump Drive (Rio Grande Games)

The jump drive is the latest technological breakthrough in space technology. With this invention, we now have the ability to travel to new worlds, develop new technologies, and build our own space empire! Jump Drive is a game for 2-4 players, age 13+. It takes approximately 30 minutes to play and retails for $25.

Setup
1. In the middle of the table, place Survey Team cards equal to the number of players.
2. If your first game, give each player a preset hand of five cards, labeled A, B, C, and D. Then, shuffle the remaining cards to form a draw pile. If not your first game, shuffle all the cards together, give each player seven cards, and have them choose two to discard to form a hand of five.
3. Put the Victory Point (VP) chips and Explore markers nearby.

Game Play - A game typically lasts six or seven rounds. Each round, players simultaneously place cards face down or place place Explore markers. The cards are then revealed and paid for, thus adding the card to your empire. Each player may do the following:
1. Place one Development (diamond) card. Discard one fewer card than the black number in the diamond to pay for it.
2. Place one World (black outlined circle or red outlined circle). You pay for the black outlined cards the same way as you pay for Development cards, and you conquer red outlined cards. Either way, you draw one card after placing these cards.
3. Place one Development and one World card. Pay the full cost for these cards, and do not draw a card.
4. If you choose not to place any cards, you may take an Explore marker and draw some extra cards according to the rules on the marker.
5. Check to see if anyone has a minimum of 50 VP. If not, draw as many cards as your income and begin the next round.

Review
I love the game universe of Race for the Galaxy and the dice version Roll for the Galaxy. As someone who loves space and science fiction, there is just something satisfying in these games. The fun that comes from building your own unique space empire each game brings joy to my nerdy soul. However, not everyone wants to commit that time and energy to learning the game and the many expansions. This is where Jump Drive comes in! Jump Drive is set in the same universe and offers a quicker and simpler game play than Race and Roll. With each game lasting around 30 minutes, you have a chance to introduce people to this excellent universe and hopefully eventually get to teach them the two games that inspired this one. Alternatively, you also have a quick game that scratches the same itches that Race and Roll both do and can offering a satisfying experience if you don't have time for the other two. Highly recommended!