A science vessel lands un an unexplored planet and a group of scientists sets out from the ship to gather data on the planet's history and wildlife, also encountering hostile aliens! It will be up to you, as one of the science team members, whether to take the chance to collect more Data in the dangerous alien wilds, return to your Ship with the Data you've already collected, or strike out on your own to hunt the Aliens before they hunt you! Also, when you return to the Ship, afraid to explore further, you can continue to be involved in the Mission by "analyzing" the data you've collected, using it to "bet" on the continuing Mission. At the end of the game, after five Missions, players compare their Data totals, and the player with the most Data wins. Strange Planet is a push-your-luck card game with elements of betting and set collection.