Moonrakers is a 1-5 player game where players build power through acquiring crew member cards and ship parts that enable them to complete Contracts.
On your turn, you'll choose a Contract card from the available pool of Contracts. You may invite other players to contribute to Contract fulfillment in exchange for a share of the mission payout.
Contract fulfillment requires a combination of cards/ crew members. The more difficult the Contract, the more Hazard risk. Contract success is rewarded with coins and Prestige points.
You can use the coins you acquire from completed Contracts to purchase parts for your ship or crew members.
Ship parts help you complete subsequent and more difficult Contracts.
*quick setup*nice Solo mode that parallels the multi-player game*replayability*nice graphics, quality components (outside of the dinky plastic ships)
Cons
*semi-big box*the negotiation element is great, but the rule that an opponent can "stick it to you" on a contract by lying wasn't necessary to the game and discourages player interaction