Black Angel is a complex science‑fiction strategic board game designed by Sébastien Dujardin together with Xavier Georges and Alain Orban—the same team that also created Troyes.
Earth has been destroyed. Humanity has launched the spaceship Black Angel, carrying the genetic record of the human species, to deliver it to the planet Spes, where a new chapter of human history is meant to begin. There are no humans on board—only artificial intelligences (AIs) that operate the ship and compete with one another for prestige and efficiency in carrying out the mission.
Players take on the roles of these AI systems, managing the ship, communicating with aliens, fighting off attackers (the Ravagers), and attempting to optimally fulfill the colonization mission.
Players use dice drawn from a shared pool to perform actions, with the color of the die determining which actions are available. The ship moves through space using a sliding tile mechanism, creating a strong sense of travel through the cosmos. Players use action cards to interact with space, aliens, and the ship itself. The game features resource management, timing and planning, player interaction, and risk-taking. Players must manage both their own AI console and the shared ship, which requires strong coordination.
The game rewards thoughtful play, long-term planning, and adaptability. Although dice are involved, most decisions depend on player strategy. The game is demanding and unforgiving of mistakes, making it especially appealing to those looking for a deeper, more challenging gaming experience. 🚀
