Vantage is a board game designed by Jamey Stegmaier and published by Stonemaier Games. It is an ambitious project that combines elements of video games, narrative adventures, and classic board game mechanics into a unique space exploration experience.
Vantage takes place on a remote planet where players crash-land after their spaceship malfunctions. Each player starts in their own location, with their own view of the surroundings—meaning no one can see other players’ cards. Communication between players happens via an “intercom,” creating a sense of isolation while also encouraging cooperation. The game is highly narrative-driven and centered around exploration, survival, and uncovering the planet’s mysteries.
Each player can only see their own location and must rely on others’ descriptions to understand what is happening elsewhere. Each location card features six possible actions tied to a color and a verb (e.g., LOOK, MOVE, HELP, OVERPOWER), which lead to different story entries in dedicated books. Actions are resolved by rolling dice, and players can spend matching tokens to reduce difficulty. Although physically separated, players can share tokens and assist each other with challenges. Each action on a card can only be performed once per game, encouraging thoughtful decision-making. Every action leads to a narrative entry read from a separate book. Missions add additional objectives and direction.
The game feels like an interactive storybook, full of surprises and diverse narratives. If you’re looking for a game that blends storytelling, exploration, and cooperation in a space adventure, Vantage is the perfect choice. 🛸
