Every now and then, two games show up that are so similar they can’t help but be compared to each other. They are so similar that gamers usually prefer one over the other and find it redundant to have both games in their collections.
This Head-to-Head series of articles is dedicated to such game pairings. The intent is not to determine which is the better game of the two, but to simply discuss their relative merits.
For each matchup, I will compare the two games in terms of complexity, depth, replayability, and appeal. Complexity will deal with each game’s rules weight and ease of learning/teaching. Depth will deal with each game’s gameplay and how strategically challenging and satisfying it is. Replayability will deal with each game’s variety of experience and longevity. Finally, appeal will deal with how broad an audience each game will attract.
Note that I express only my personal opinion and analysis, but I invite others to add to the discussion by posting their own opinions on the matter. The ultimate goal is to help those who are considering purchasing either (or both) games to make an informed choice.
With that introduction over with, let’s move on to tonight’s main event:
Race for the Galaxy vs. San JuanThis matchup is what inspired this head-to head series. Both Race for the Galaxy (RFTG) and San Juan (SJ) have very similar ancestry, the Boardgamegeek megahit Puerto Rico (PR), and this therefore invites comparison. PR is still one of my all-time favorites.
RFTG is a recent acquisition and I’ve played it four times. So far, I really like it and want to play it more. Some, however, have expressed a preference for SJ over RFTG, and I was curious to see why. I finally got to try SJ and can now make a comparison. Note, however, that all my games have been with three or four players. I rarely get to play with just two so this is the most likely number I’ll play with in the future.
If you’re not familiar with either game, I suggest you check out their entries on BGG. For a history of the development of RFTG, look for Tom Lehmann’s development diary on Boardgamenews.com. You can also read my review and maskmanjoe’s review here on TTW.
Tale of the Tape | Race for the Galaxy | San Juan |
| Designer: | Tom Lehmann | Andreas Seyfarth |
| Number of Players: | 2-4 | 2-4 |
| Playing Time: | 30-60 mins. | 45-60 mins. |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $34.95 | $29.95 |
So here we go. Let’s get ready to rumble!
Round 1: ComplexitySan Juan comes out swinging in this round. It’s very easy to learn, especially if you’re already familiar with Puerto Rico. The cards have a simple layout and only have three important pieces of info which are easily seen. For card games which have abilities for each card, one of the factors that add to the learning curve familiarity with the cards. For SJ, the number of unique cards seems to be relatively low, with at least three copies of each card (many more for the production buildings), except for the 6-cost buildings. In my one play, we cycled through the deck three times and by midgame I was already familiar with most of the cards.
Race for the Galaxy, on the other hand, is slightly more complex. The first thing you need to get used to is the iconography. The icons also make the cards look busier, but the layout is excellent and very functional. RFTG consists of almost all unique cards, with only a few with duplicates, requiring a few plays to become really familiar with them.
Scorecard: 10-9 in favor of SJ
Round 2: DepthThis is where RFTG counterpunches back. If SJ is a puncher, attacking quickly on the bell, RFTG is a technically sound boxer. After just one play of SJ, I feel like I’ve already seen pretty much what there is to see in the game. SJ is essentially PR without the shipping, so you’re just left with building. And that’s the only way to gain victory points (VPs). With multiple copies of many cards and everyone pretty much trying to do the same thing, only more efficiently, I foresee each game of SJ looking and feeling the same.
That’s not the case with RFTG. Because most cards are unique, each game is vastly different from the last. Aside from that, there are two main ways to earn VPs and four types of production. There are 12 6-cost developments that grant bonus VPs at the end and each roughly points to a strategic path. After being soundly trounced in my last two games against experienced players, I feel I still have a lot to learn about the game. RFTG scores a knockdown in this round.
Scorecard: 10-8 for RFTG
Round 3: ReplayabilityThis is where you see both games’ endurance and staying power. Both being card games, there’s high variability per game. However, two factors give RFTG the edge. More unique cards and more strategic paths mean RFTG has more variety. Here clearly greater depth translates to greater replayability and longevity. While SJ games will feel the same and players’ cities will look the same, each player’s RFTG tableau will be distinct. RFTG scores another knockdown.
Scorecard: 10-8 for RFTG
Round 4: AppealSJ attempts a comeback in this round. Its low complexity, family-friendly theme, and easy to read cards make it appealing to a broad range of audiences. Aside from families, it can be a good introductory game for non-gamers or preteens, as well as a two-player game for couples. And it has enough depth for gamers to appreciate. RFTG, on the other hand, suffers from a theme that is not very appealing to women or non-geeks, and its iconography can be intimidating. SJ finishes strong in this round but will it be enough to win the match?
Scorecard: 10-9 for SJ
The DecisionWith a total score of 38-36, RFTG wins the match. SJ took a beating from RFTG’s significantly greater strategic depth and replayability and that was the difference in this matchup. RFTG has great depth for a card game of its length and should appeal to gamers who like the theme. However, its one major flaw is its lack of player of interaction. SJ has only slightly more interaction but its main strength is its broad appeal. Even though it’s simple, it’s not a mere filler.
Both games are good and I recommend RFTG if you want a challenging, highly strategic game and you like or don’t mind the sci-fi theme. But if you want something lighter for the family or your significant other, SJ would fit the bill very well.
That’s it for this edition of Head-to-Head. Good fight and good night!
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