Captain Future (1980) Board Game

Captain Future is a board game based on the popular science fiction character of the same name, created by Edmond Hamilton in the 1940s. The game was released in 1980 and designed by Wolfgang Kramer, featuring artwork by ASS Altenburger Spielkarten and Grow Jogos e Brinquedos. It is a movie/TV/radio theme game that combines elements of area majority and influence mechanics.

Game Components of Captain Future

1 board

66 space cards (including space and event cards)

170 spaceships

1 secret stone

Rules

How To Setup Captain Future

To set up the game, players first lay out the board, which represents various planets and space routes. Each player selects their spaceships and places them on the starting points on the board. The space cards are shuffled and distributed, with each card having specific effects or missions. The secret stone, which may hold special powers or rules, is also placed on the board according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to occupy as many spaces on the planets as possible.

Conquering Planets: Once all spaces on a planet are occupied, the planet is considered conquered.
– A player with a majority on a planet can use a card to kick off a foreign ship.
– A player without a majority but with at least one space on the planet can conquer a spaceship with two cards.
– A player without any spaceships on the planet can conquer with three cards.

End Game: The game ends when a player plays their last ship. Each other player gets one final turn before the game concludes.

Scoring: Players earn points for their spaceships on the planets. Complete control of a planet awards 5 points for a big planet, 4 points for an average planet, and 3 points for a moon. Players with a majority on other planets receive an extra point.

Player Experience

**Captain Future** is designed for 2 to 4 players and is suitable for ages 8 and up. The game takes approximately 45 minutes to play. Players must strategize about which planets to focus on and how to use their cards effectively to outmaneuver their opponents. The game combines elements of area control and resource management, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The science fiction setting and the characters like Captain Future, GRAG the space pirate, Otto the Android, and Simon Wright the living brain add a rich narrative layer.

Strategic Depth: The game requires strategic planning and resource management, making it appealing to fans of tactical gameplay.

Family-Friendly: With a recommended age of 8 and up, it is accessible to both children and adults.

Cons

Out of Print: The game is currently out of stock and may be difficult to find.

Complex Rules: While the gameplay mechanics are interesting, the rules can be somewhat complex, especially for younger players.

Personal Thoughts on Captain Future

**Captain Future** is ideal for fans of science fiction and those who enjoy strategic board games. It is particularly suited for families or casual gaming groups looking for a game that combines adventure and strategy. However, due to its age and current unavailability, it might be challenging to find a copy, and new players may need to wait or look for reprints or similar games like Origo, which is a reworking of this game.

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