Starship Command (1991) Board Game

Starship Command is a board game that was released in 1991 and designed by Michael Fryer, Tracy Fryer, Jefferson, and Eric Nyquist. It falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Card Game, Science Fiction, and Wargame. The game features a Simultaneous Action Selection mechanic and is designed for 2 to 8 players with a runtime of approximately 45 minutes.

Game Components of Starship Command

Cards: Representing ship abilities and actions.

Ship Profiles: Several different races with unique abilities.

Weapons and Special Cards: Loads of options for combat and special maneuvers.

Campaigns: Available for players and teams, centered around specific races.

How To Setup Starship Command

Setting up Starship Command involves distributing the ship profile cards and ability cards among the players. Each player chooses a race and receives the corresponding ship and ability cards. The game requires a flat surface to lay out the cards and track the players’ ships and actions. Players need to understand the simultaneous action selection mechanic, which is central to the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players choose their actions simultaneously, adding a strategic layer to the game.

Fleet-based Ship-to-ship Combat: The primary objective is to engage in combat with other players’ ships.

Campaign Mode: Players can participate in campaigns based around specific races, offering a more structured gameplay experience.

Use of Ability Cards: Players use cards to perform various actions such as attacking, defending, and special maneuvers.

Player Experience

Starship Command offers a dynamic and tactical experience, especially for fans of science fiction and space combat. The game’s simultaneous action selection mechanic requires players to think ahead and anticipate their opponents’ moves. The variety of races and abilities adds a layer of complexity and replayability.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The simultaneous action selection mechanic provides a lot of strategic depth.

Replayability: Multiple races and abilities ensure that no two games are the same.

Team Play: Supports team play, which can enhance the social aspect of the game.

Thematic Engagement: Strong science fiction theme that immerses players in space combat.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players due to the numerous cards and rules.

Availability: The game is out of stock in many places, making it hard to find.

User Rating: Has a mixed user rating, indicating some players may find it less engaging.

Personal Thoughts on Starship Command

Starship Command is ideal for fans of science fiction and tactical card games. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy complex strategies and the simultaneous action selection mechanic. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to card games due to its complexity. The game’s unique races and campaign mode make it a great choice for players looking for a game with high replayability and thematic engagement.

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