Cities of Venus: Lost Contact
Official Description:
Cities of Venus: Lost Contact is a medium-weight, science fiction Eurogame set in the year 2222. In this future, various countries on Earth have established colonies in floating cities within the clouds of Venus. These city-states are tasked with surviving and thriving in a harsh and unpredictable environment, relying on periodic supply drops from Earth and the unique resources available in Venus’s atmosphere.
Players take on the roles of leaders of these floating cities, competing to develop their habitats, manage resources, and ensure the survival of their citizens. The game involves strategic planning, resource management, and adaptation to changing conditions, as players must balance the needs of their city with the challenges posed by the environment and limited contact with Earth.
As the game progresses, the connection with Earth becomes increasingly tenuous, forcing players to innovate and collaborate or compete for dwindling resources. The ultimate goal is to build the most successful and sustainable city before Earth goes silent, leaving the Venusian colonies to fend for themselves.
Cities of Venus: Lost Contact sits in the regular cycle for one reason: the board’s atmospheric Venusian setting and the tactile novelty of its multi-layer player boards. The physicality of slotting cards into these boards, combined with the presence of worker mechs, gives the table a sense of occasion that’s hard to ignore. For veteran groups, the initial draw is the promise of a unique mechanical twist—something that feels different from the usual Euro fare. In practice, though, the gameplay loop is thinner than the box suggests. The turns look complex on paper, but the actual decisions rarely match the production’s ambition. It’s a reliable option when the group wants something visually impressive that doesn’t demand deep strategic investment.
From a logistics standpoint, expect a moderate setup: the game is ready for play in about 15 minutes, but you’ll need to manage a fair number of components—worker mechs, layered boards, and a deck of cards that interact with the player boards. The box is packed with high-quality pieces, but the overproduction means you’ll be wrangling trays and inserts that don’t always speed things up. With a 90-minute session time, this is a main event for the evening, not a filler. It’s best suited for groups who appreciate a bit of spectacle and don’t mind a setup that’s more involved than the gameplay ultimately justifies.
Teaching Cities of Venus is a procedural affair: expect to spend a solid 20 minutes walking through the multi-step turn structure. The rules look intimidating, but the underlying complexity is mostly surface-level. Once the first round is underway, most players are comfortable, and you can step away to check on other tables if needed. The collaborative elements keep the table engaged, but the interaction is more about shared survival than direct negotiation or conflict. The room’s energy stays steady—players are busy managing their own boards, but the lack of real tension or surprise means the excitement rarely spikes. For all its flash, the game’s core is straightforward, and experienced hosts will find it easy to keep things moving, even if the gameplay doesn’t linger in memory.
Category
Tactical & Strategy
My score
5.5
Our Total Plays
1
Last PLayed
19 May 25
🔥 In Rotation
Player Count
2-6
Playtime
90 mins
Proficiency Perks
Strategic Planning
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