Eclipse is a game that I had my eye on for awhile and when I got it, I wasn't disappointed. It now proudly sits atop my rankings alongside Diplomacy as a 10. I love long civ games, and multiplayer conflict games. I love complex, chaotic game states that provide multiple avenues of progression. I love the table talk, giving "advise", bluffing my own power, deflecting others from my weak points, big epic unforeseen moves and the ability to also win peacefully. Eclipse has all these things. I also like a good Euro. I own and enjoy Agricola, Puerto Rico, Power Grid, and my new favorite; Dungeon Petz.
So what is Eclipse?
Eclipse is a space themed clash of civilizations with tech research, ship building and designing, with an economic engine that any euro would be proud of. It is not a euro though. While competency running the engine is a requirement to do well, the main strategies revolve around being a excellent diplomat and general.
Eclipse is also a deep and long game. You should not expect to play well vs experienced players on your first go. (you may do well, you just shouldn't expect to)
Who's going to like it?
Players who don't mind longer games. First games appear to be going along the lines of 1 hour per player with the box time of 30 mins per player being reachable after a few plays. 7 Wonders this isn't.
Players who don't mind conflict. This is a game that requires conflict. There may be a rare game as a player where you run into no ancients and no one attacks you, but most games will require an offensive at some point if you are playing to win.
Players with an open mind. Certain strategies are more obvious than others. It's not immediately obvious what force is required to take down an ancient. It's also not immediately apparent what the value of an action is, or that saved actions can be more valuable than ones used early. (and many other strategies) The difference in exploration tiles has caused a debate on whether the game is balanced. I'm of the opinion that the perceived imbalance is with new players getting tiles that require the less obvious strategies, or a strategy they are disinclined to go with (a peaceful player not wanting to attack). Please know that I don't consider all people who dislike the game to be closed minded. But I have seen people in my own play group dismiss the game as too random even though I saw them making mistakes they wouldn't acknowledge.
Players who will play multiple times. The complexity of strategy means multiple plays are required to get the full impact. Can you enjoy one game? Sure, but it's one of those games that you don't quite see what is going on until some portion of the way through your first game. This encourages some people to play again. Others aren't interested in that level of time investment.
Players willing to see through a slower start. 237
This game is as much about perception of strengths as actual strengths. You can come from behind, I've seen it done. I've also seen players lose an early battle and essentially give up. The game rewards perseverance. Not every time. If you lose your first ancient battle, you are indeed behind and odds of winning go down. But not all the way to zero! Stay focused, regroup, find a different way through. Because there is dice, the luck can swing back your way. Because there are other players, you can still participate diplomatically. In Diplomacy, I've come back from a two center Russia to climb back into serious contention. The same can be done here and is all the more rewarding.
Who's not going to like this game?
Players who like short games. As stated before, a beginner game is around an hour per person. You get to the half hour per person after a few plays. If this is too long, you won't like it.
Players who don't like dice. Dice are in the game. I'm personally okay with the amount (I wasn't with Risk and the original Axis and Allies). If you don't like dice at all, don't bother. I think the luck of the dice present is good. I'm also okay with losing the occasional "can't lose" battle. I will risk a few fighters with 80% odds and be fine with losing them every so often. I'm even okay with losing a 99% battle. It's dice.
Players who are thinking this is pure euro. It's not. Trying to play it like one will make it unbalanced and you unhappy. The game assumes some level of ruthlessness in taking on other players in battle. You might need to eliminate someone.
If you don't like combat, it's not for you.
Players who don't like the theme or a heavy game. 'nough said
A quick note on bits. 237