Objective

The goal of the game is to earn the most prestige by successfully completing space missions, conducting research, and managing your resources effectively. Players will compete to build the most successful space agency by the end of the game.

Setup

1. Game Components:

   • Game Board: A board that features different sectors of space, mission control, and research labs.

   • MLEM Tokens: Tokens representing your team of space-faring cats, each with unique abilities.

   • Mission Cards: Cards detailing various space missions that players can undertake.

   • Research Cards: Cards that provide bonuses or special abilities when certain research is completed.

   • Resource Tokens: Used to represent fuel, technology, and funding needed for missions.

   • Dice: Used to determine the outcome of certain missions and research projects.

2. Initial Setup:

   • Place the Game Board: Set the board in the center of the table.

   • Distribute MLEM Tokens: Each player receives a set number of MLEM tokens to manage throughout the game.

   • Shuffle and Place Cards: Shuffle the Mission and Research cards and place them in their respective draw piles.

   • Resource Pool: Place all resource tokens within reach of all players.
     

Gameplay

MLEM: Space Agency is played over a series of rounds, with each round consisting of several phases.

1. Planning Phase

• Draw Mission Cards: Each player draws a set number of mission cards to choose from. Mission cards will have varying difficulty levels and resource requirements.

• Allocate MLEM Tokens: Players assign their MLEMs to different missions, research projects, or resource gathering activities.

2. Action Phase

• Undertake Missions: Players choose which missions to pursue, paying the required resources and rolling dice to determine the outcome. Success on missions earns prestige points and possibly additional rewards.

• Conduct Research: Allocate resources to research projects that can unlock new abilities, provide ongoing bonuses, or enhance your MLEMs' capabilities.

• Gather Resources: Players may also allocate MLEMs to gather additional resources needed for future missions or research.

3. Resolution Phase

• Mission Outcomes: Roll dice to resolve missions. Success or failure is determined by the mission difficulty and any bonuses from research or MLEM abilities.

• Award Prestige: Successful missions and completed research projects award prestige points, which are tracked throughout the game.

• End of Round: Players reset their MLEMs and resources for the next round.
  

Winning the Game

The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds or when a certain number of missions have been completed. The player with the most prestige points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Strategy Tips

• Balance Resources: Efficiently managing your resources between missions and research is key to long-term success.

• Maximize MLEM Abilities: Each MLEM token has unique abilities that can be leveraged to improve your chances of success in missions or research.

• Plan for the Long Game: Focus on building a strong space agency by balancing short-term gains with long-term strategies.
  

Example of a Turn

1. Draw Mission Cards: You draw three mission cards and choose one to pursue.

2. Allocate MLEM Tokens: You assign your MLEMs to the mission and a research project.

3. Gather Resources: You gather additional fuel needed for a future mission.

4. Undertake Mission: You pay the required resources, roll the dice, and successfully complete the mission, earning prestige points.
   

Variants and Advanced Play

• Cooperative Mode: Players can work together to complete challenging missions that require joint resources and coordination.

• Competitive Mode: Players compete directly to complete missions and research, with limited resources and sabotage options.