Star Quest (1979) – Board Game Guys

Star Quest

Star Quest is a board game of space combat for 2-6 players. Each player represents an interstellar trading house that has sent a spaceship to a newly discovered star. The game was published in 1990 by Milton Bradley and Games Workshop.

Why is Star Quest Popular?

Star Quest is significant because it was one of the first board games to combine elements of role-playing games and miniature wargaming. It was also part of a series of games that included HeroQuest and Space Crusade, which were popular in the 1990s.

Game Components of Star Quest

11″ x 17″ paper hex grid map of the star system

100 die-cut counters

Plot sheet (to be photocopied — each player requires a clean plot sheet for each game)

4-page rulebook

How To Setup Star Quest

To set up the game, players start by hyperjumping their ships into the star system, which ends at a random location on the hex grid map. Each player receives a plot sheet, and the game components are distributed accordingly. The setup involves placing the ships on the map and preparing the counters and plot sheets for each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Hyperjump: Ships can hyperjump into the star system or move to a random location later in the game, with an initial risk of destruction if a 6 is rolled on a six-sided die.

Normal Movement: Ships travel in a straight line, carrying over momentum from the previous turn, with gravitational effects from the star at close range.

Combat: Ships fight by firing missiles; each ship can control up to six missiles at a time. If a missile intersects with a ship, both are removed from the game.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the last player surviving in the game. Players eliminate each other by destroying ships with missiles.

Player Experience

**Star Quest** offers a fast-paced and challenging experience, requiring players to plan ahead and react quickly. The game is praised for its realism in obeying the laws of physics, particularly in space combat scenarios. However, the components have received mixed reviews, with some finding the hex numbers on the map hard to read and the counters too similar in color.

Pros

Realistic Mechanics: The game adheres to basic physics principles, making it more realistic compared to other space combat games.

Fast-Paced: Games are quick, often feeling like a duel, especially with two players.

Challenging: Requires players to plan several turns in advance.

Cons

Component Issues: Hex numbers on the map can be hard to read, and the counters are too similar in color.

Plot Sheets: Players need to photocopy plot sheets, which can be inconvenient.

Learning Curve: The rules are clear, but learning and pre-planning require experience.

Personal Thoughts on Star Quest

**Star Quest** is ideal for fans of science fiction and space combat games. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic planning and quick reactions. While it may not be as polished in terms of components as modern games, it offers a unique and challenging experience that can be very engaging. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for a game with high-quality components or a more casual, introductory experience.

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