- Publisher(s): Playpunk
- Designer(s) : Grégory Grard, Mathieu Roussel
- Artist(s): Xavier Gueniffey Durin
- Players : 2–4
- Playing time: 25–35 min
- Weight BGG : 2.43
What's this?
Zenith is a game of influence, hand optimization, and technological progression in a colorful and dynamic sci-fi universe.
How do you play?
In Zenith , players compete to gain control of five planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter) by gaining influence. The goal is to fulfill one of three victory conditions:
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Absolute Victory : Control 3 influence discs from the same planet.
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Democratic Victory : Control 4 discs from 4 different planets.
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Popular Victory : Control 5 discs, all planets combined.
🔁 How a round unfolds
On a player’s turn, they play ONE card from their hand to perform one of three actions :
A. Recruit an Agent
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Place an Agent card on the corresponding planet.
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Pay its cost in Credits (reduction if other cards already present).
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Apply its effects (gain influence, resources, various effects).
B. Develop a Technology
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Discard an Agent card corresponding to the People (Human, Robot, Animod).
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Pay Zenithium to progress on a technology track.
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Trigger the effects of the level reached + all lower levels.
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Line bonuses reward balanced progression.
C. Take Leadership
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Discard a card from a People.
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Earn a bonus according to the People:
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Robot : +1 Zenithium,
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Human : +3 Credits,
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Animod : Mobilize 2 cards.
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Obtain the Leader badge (allows you to draw more cards at the end of the turn).
🔚 End of turn
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Rebuild your hand to 4, 5 or 6 cards depending on the Leader badge.
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Replace the Influence discs won.
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The game ends immediately if a player reaches a victory condition.
Is it good?
Zenith is a wonderful surprise. The core gameplay relies on a “tug of war” mechanic to influence the planets and achieve one of three victory conditions. This creates constant tension: you monitor your opponent’s movements, anticipate, stall… or push the planets into your control zone at the right moment. This system generates constant suspense and frequent twists and turns.
Despite the relatively quick games, Zenith offers real strategic richness with only three possible actions, each linked to an area of the main board. These actions, always carried out via your cards, require tense choices: should you discard them to progress on the technological tracks , obtaining ever more powerful bonuses? Use them to regain the Leader badge , and thus benefit from a larger hand each turn? Or play them for their effects and move the planets? Three actions, but an infinite number of tactical dilemmas.
The game manages to remain accessible without getting bogged down in complex rules. However, Zenith suffers from a very dense iconography. Early players will have their noses in the booklet or player aid, especially since some symbols aren’t clearly explained. This small obstacle may put off the less motivated, but once this initial effort is overcome, the game flows smoothly.
Another point to note: the element of chance in card drawing can sometimes be frustrating, especially when desperately searching for a specific type of planet. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s something to consider.
Visually, the game adopts a streamlined approach, favoring the readability of the board and cards. It’s clean and clear, but the theme quickly fades during the game, in favor of the mechanics.
In terms of pure gameplay, Zenith works equally well with two players or four players in 2 vs. 2 mode. The latter adds a layer of tactical coordination and cooperation that works very well. Interaction is strong, turnarounds are frequent, and games remain tense until the very end.
Bottom line : Zenith is a true success for fans of fast-paced, intense duels. Its ingenious tug-of-war mechanics, combined with a great deal of strategic depth, make it a game you’ll want to play again and again. As long as you can get past the graphic design, you’ll discover a game that’s as clever as it is tense, perfect for two (or four) brains on the boil.
Many thanks to the Espritjeu online store for allowing me to test this game by sending me a copy. To discover their catalog, I invite you to visit their website:
Zenith Test & Review
Positives
- Original and highly interactive tug-of-war mechanics
- Three simple actions, but deep tactical choices
- Excellent replayability, whether in 2-player or 2 vs 2 teams
- Good power-up (techs, bonuses, card combos)
Negatives
- Iconography too dense at the start, difficult to get to grips with
- Part of chance in the sometimes frustrating draw
- Theme little felt during the game
Breakdown
- Edition 8.5
- Mechanics 9.0
- Thematic 7.5
- Replayability 9.5
- Getting started 7.0
- Interaction 9.5
- Originality 9.5
