Sidereal Confluence: Bifurcation

Improves the base game without adding rules; adds 9 species that follow the same formula as the base game. I still want to try the fathomed 18 player game with both copies of all 9 species.

If you don’t play the base game often, you don’t need it. But the new factions are SO COOL. Adds tons of variety, especially at high player counts where previously there was little choice in what got played. Lots of interesting new toys for experienced players and some easier or friendlier versions of Unity, Eni Et, Zeth, and Yengii which is nice if you have a large number of new players and have to start handing out what are normally harder factions.

More options good. In particular the new Unity, Zeth, and Kjas are fantastic. Haven't had a chance to try the Faderan or Caylion; looks like they add an awful lot of complexity.

Preliminary rating, clearly, as I hope to eventually try every faction, but, wow, the designs here are amazing and somehow found many new mechanics and ideas to explore within the realm of Sidereal Confluence. Combine that with a sort of thematic connection to the previous iteration of each faction in some super nerdy type of way that is really aimed at fans of the base game and this expansion is just superb. Can't wait to play more.

Sidereal Confluence: Bifurcation adds 9 more factions, 3 of which are much more new player friendly than the base game's. Though I am not a fan of having to buy an expansion to reach the max playercount with new players enjoyably, this expansion adds so much to the game that it would be a shame to deduct points for such a trivial issue. Especially when the 4-6 player count is more than generous.