Glowing spaceship orbits planet in starry galaxy generated by artificial intelligence
Space-themed board games have always been a gateway to exploring the mysteries of the universe from the comfort of your living room. But in 2025, ULTRAMASSIVE, designed by Alex Greenberg and Jacob Phillips, takes this concept to an entirely new level. This innovative game invites players to embody black holes—cosmic phenomena that warp space and time—on a mission to become the largest and most powerful entity in existence. Here’s why ULTRAMASSIVE stands out as one of the best space-themed board games.
A Cosmic Race for Supremacy
Unlike traditional space games where players act as astronauts or fleet commanders, ULTRAMASSIVE flips the script. You play as a black hole, striving to grow by absorbing matter and anti-matter while competing against others in a race against time. The game’s six-round structure represents millennia passing in moments, adding urgency to your cosmic conquest. The goal? To achieve “ultramassive” status by expanding your solar mass from one unit to a staggering hundred units—a scale so immense it boggles the mind.
This unique premise immediately sets ULTRAMASSIVE apart. It’s not just about exploration; it’s about survival and dominance in a chaotic universe filled with rival black holes vying for supremacy.
Gameplay Mechanics: Strategy Meets Cosmic Chaos
ULTRAMASSIVE combines worker placement mechanics with dynamic engine-building and action-card gameplay. Each round allows players to perform two actions—one in player order and another in reverse order—creating a balance between strategic planning and tactical adaptability. Adding matter to your black hole or creating anomalies that enhance your efficiency are key decisions that shape your path to victory.
The inclusion of matter and anti-matter introduces an intriguing layer of tension. Players can sabotage each other by forcing anti-matter placement, which cancels out matter and disrupts growth. Timing becomes critical as you decide whether to absorb mass immediately or set up long-term strategies through anomalies. This constant interplay between offence and defence keeps every turn engaging.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its accessibility despite its ambitious theme. With a complexity rating of 2.5/5, it strikes a balance between depth and approachability, making it suitable for both seasoned gamers and newcomers. The strategic choices are satisfying, particularly when you manage to outmanoeuvre opponents or achieve rapid growth through well-planned anomalies.
However, ULTRAMASSIVE isn’t without flaws. While the gameplay is enjoyable, some players may feel that it lacks the epic scale promised by its theme. For instance, more opportunities for player interaction—such as stealing matter via wormholes—could have added extra layers of tension and excitement. Additionally, while the rulebook covers essential mechanics, it could benefit from clearer explanations for easier reference during play.
A Stellar Experience with Room for Improvement
I found ULTRAMASSIVE to be an exhilarating experience. The concept of playing as a black hole was refreshingly original, and the strategic depth kept me engaged throughout each session. Watching my black hole grow larger with every turn was immensely satisfying.
That said, I agree with some critiques regarding scale and interaction. The game does an excellent job simulating cosmic growth but could feel more dynamic with additional competitive elements like anomaly card scarcity or direct resource theft. These tweaks would elevate ULTRAMASSIVE from great to extraordinary.
