Under Falling Skies

Alien movement is dictated by dice placement, with every pip pushing ships closer to your city or powering up your defenses. The tension comes from the vertical puzzle—each decision is a trade-off between immediate survival and long-term progress. After years of managing tables, I see why this one has settled into the collection’s long-term lineup: the solo focus and campaign structure give it staying power, but it’s the relentless pressure of the dice system that keeps it from gathering dust. Veteran soloists will appreciate how little slack the game gives; every round is a test of nerve and calculation. Physically, Under Falling Skies is a surprise. For a solo title, the modular board and chunky plastic ships demand a fair chunk of table space—expect a footprint that rivals some small-group games. Setup is straightforward but not instant; you’ll need a clear surface and a few minutes to lay out the board sections and components. With a 40-minute playtime, it’s best treated as a main event for a solo session, not a filler between multiplayer games. The tactile quality of the ships and the shifting board sections add to the immersion, but you’ll want to keep the area clear—this isn’t a game you squeeze onto a corner of a crowded table. Teaching Under Falling Skies is a procedural affair. The core rules are logical, but the interplay between dice values, ship speed, and room activation takes a full teach—expect to walk through a round or two before the system clicks. Once underway, the solo nature means you can step away to handle other tables, but the player will be locked in, head down, managing their own crisis. There’s no table chatter or shared tension; the energy is internal, focused, and intense. For hosts, it’s a reliable solo anchor—just don’t expect it to lift the room’s energy, but it will absolutely satisfy anyone looking for a deep, replayable solo challenge.