Solarquest (1985) – Board Game Guys

Solarquest

“SolarQuest” is a space-age real estate trading board game published in 1985 and developed by Valen Brost, who conceived the idea in 1976. The game is patterned after Monopoly, but it replaces pewter tokens with rocket ships and hotels with metallic fuel stations. Players travel around the Sun acquiring monopolies of planets, moons, and man-made space structures, seeking to knock their opponents out of the game through bankruptcy, as well as optional laser blasts and dwindling fuel supplies.

Why is Solarquest Popular?

“SolarQuest” has attracted a renewed following in recent years due to its availability on eBay and other auction sites. The game combines strategy and luck, creating a challenging and unpredictable family game. It offers a unique and exciting space adventure experience for players, allowing them to explore and conquer the Solar System while learning about its various celestial bodies.

Game Components of Solarquest

Game board featuring the Solar System

48 properties (planets, moons, and artificial satellites)

Deed cards with instructions on rent and fuel costs

Red Shift cards directing players to specific destinations

Fuel cards

Research labs and space docks

Federation stations

Dice

Laser tokens

Player tokens

91 spaces on the board, including 16 black dots (planets’ gravity) and 17 blue dots (floating in space).

How To Setup Solarquest

To set up Solarquest, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point. The deed cards, Red Shift cards, and other game components are shuffled and distributed according to the game’s instructions. Setup time typically takes between 5-15 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Players roll dice to travel along a blue flight path through the Solar System.

Property Acquisition: Players can buy planets and moons, and trade with each other to acquire monopolies.

Fuel Stations: Players can build fuel stations on their properties and charge fees for refueling.

Red Shift Cards: These cards direct players to specific destinations or affect gameplay in various ways.

Advanced Play: In the “Strategic Solarquest” variant, Red Shift cards are only drawn if double sixes are rolled, introducing additional strategic elements.

Objective: The goal is to build the greatest financial empire and be the last player on the board, surviving the perils of space travel.

Player Experience

Playing Solarquest is a complex yet engaging experience, similar to Monopoly but with the added twist of space travel and resource management. Players must navigate through the Solar System, manage fuel, and strategize their property acquisitions. The game requires simple mathematics, tactics, strategy, social skills, and negotiation. With a playing time of 1-3 hours, it can be a lengthy but rewarding experience for those who enjoy strategic board games.

Pros

Complex Gameplay: Offers more depth than traditional real estate trading games.

Educational Elements: Includes factual information about planets and moons.

Strategic Depth: Allows for various strategies and negotiations.

Thematic Engagement: The space-age theme adds a unique twist to the classic real estate game mechanic.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Can take 1-3 hours to complete.

Complex Rules: May be overwhelming for new players.

Outdated Information: Some factual details about the Solar System are now incorrect due to new discoveries.

Personal Thoughts on Solarquest

Solarquest is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy a mix of economics, strategy, and space exploration. It is particularly suited for players who have experience with games like Monopoly, as it builds upon similar mechanics but adds a unique and challenging twist. However, due to its complexity and length, it may not be the best fit for casual or younger players. For those who appreciate the nostalgia and the educational value, Solarquest remains a classic and engaging game that can provide hours of entertainment and strategic challenge.

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