Got in a four player game this week with three new players (all three very experienced gamers). The game lasted about 6 turns and took just about 2 hours, including explanations.

The most interesting thing about this session was: Warlord was only chosen twice! No one shied away from Regent, and that was how we spread influence the whole game. One player had done a good job of amassing a fleet and had gotten both Plasma Weapons and Shields ! But he was deceived by the size of the VP pool and figured there was more time to prepare; he realizes he should have taken Warlord earlier.

It came down to the two of us who were playing most aggressively with the Regent and were amassing 8+ VPs every round. I had a 10+ VP round first, and the lights clicked on for every one else. I quickly got knocked back through Warlord and Regent and the other aggressive player entered the 10+ VP range. He made a correct guess as to the size of the VP pool and went to end the game with a Regent. Everyone ganged up on him and even with his going last (and holding the Ambassador), we took 3 sectors from him.

No one had a full stockpile, but the other aggressive player had me beat in Marks and got the +2 VPs. Final score: me 37, him 39.

Everyone enjoyed it and wants to play again.