MLEM: Space Agency is a purrfectly delightful adventure where you command teams of catstronauts exploring the solar system. Designed by legendary game designer Reiner Knizia, this game combines area-control strategy with push-your-luck dice rolling and celebrates fun over points. Send your eight cats throughout planets and moons, navigate the spaceship's risky journey, and decide when to abandon ship and claim territory. With extraordinary cat-in-space artwork, high-quality components (including a gaming mat), and accessible gameplay for family players and core gamers alike, MLEM is as engaging to look at as it is to play.
How to play
Each player commands eight catstronauts, each with unique special powers. Players take turns placing a catstronaut on the spaceship, then the lead player rolls six dice. They choose all dice of one matching value (1s, 2s, comets, etc.) and move the spaceship forward by that sum. Then comes the critical decision: abandon ship and place your catstronaut on the current moon or planet, or stay aboard and push your luck with the next roll. Moons hold only one catstronaut (fixed points); planets hold many (points awarded at game's end by majority). If the lead player fails the die roll, all catstronauts on board return to Earth—a risky but potentially rewarding outcome. The game ends when one player has sent all eight catstronauts into space. Points are tallied from moon claims and planet majorities.
Why you'll love it
MLEM: Space Agency shines because it balances accessible fun with genuine strategy. The push-your-luck mechanic creates thrilling moments: do you risk another roll, or play it safe? The area-control aspect rewards clever placement and long-term thinking. The cat-in-space theme is whimsical and charming, making the game visually delightful and thematically cohesive. Reiner Knizia's design ensures the gameplay is elegant and rewarding for everyone from family players to experienced gamers. The high-quality components—especially the gorgeous artwork and gaming mat—elevate the table presence and make every game feel special. Perfect for mixed-age groups, families seeking strategy-lite fun, or anyone who loves imaginative themes and beautiful production. Games run 30–60 minutes, making them ideal for casual evenings or serious gaming sessions.
Game details
• Players: 2–5
• Playing time: 30–60 minutes
• Age: 8+
• Genre: Area control, push-your-luck, strategy, space exploration
• Themes: Cats, space, exploration, planets, moons, adventure
• Gameplay: Catstronaut placement, dice rolling with choice, push-your-luck decisions, area control (majority scoring on planets), moon claims
• Catstronauts: 8 per player, each with unique special powers
• Locations: Planets (majority control, variable scoring), moons (one catstronaut each, fixed points), comets, Oort Cloud, Milky Way
• Components: Catstronauts (meeples), spaceship, dice, planets/moons board, player powers, gaming mat
• Win condition: Most points from planet majorities and moon claims when all catstronauts are deployed
• Player elimination: None (all players deploy catstronauts throughout)
• Designer: Reiner Knizia (legendary game designer)
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