Subastral (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Subastral is a card game designed by Ben Pinchback and Matt Riddle, known for their innovative game designs. The game was released in 2021 by Renegade Game Studios and has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Subastral

100+ biome cards representing eight different biomes (subtropical desert, savanna, etc.)

Six cloud cards numbered 1-6

Sun card

Game end card

Journal for each player to collect biome sets

How To Setup Subastral

To set up the game, modify the biome deck based on the player count. Each player is dealt three cards from the biome deck. The game end card is inserted near the bottom of the deck. The cloud cards are placed in a row, numbered 1-6, with a biome card on each cloud card, face up. The Sun card is placed at one end of the cloud row.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Set Collection: Players collect sets of biome cards.

Card Placement: Cards are placed on cloud cards matching their number.

Resource Management: Players manage cards in their hand and tableau.

Scoring: Triangular sequence scoring for sets and matches.

Game Objective

The objective is to collect and organize biome cards to score the most points by creating sets and sequences.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective (Detailed)

On each turn, a player plays a card into the center row, then can take cards either to the left (biome side) or right (sun side) of the played card.

Cards taken to the biome side are added to the player’s hand and a new card is drawn.

Cards taken to the sun side are added to the player’s tableau (journal).

The game ends when the game end card is drawn, and players complete one final round.

Scoring involves two types of sets: mixed sets scored in a triangular sequence, and matching sets of the two largest biomes.

Player Experience

**Subastral** offers a relaxing yet cerebral experience. The game’s beautiful artwork by Beth Sobel creates a serene atmosphere, while the gameplay mechanics provide a challenging and strategic experience. Players must balance the cards they take into their hand against those they place in their tableau, making tactical decisions that can be both engaging and occasionally agonizing.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning illustrations of different biomes.

Strategic Depth: The game requires thoughtful planning and resource management.

Flexible Player Count: Supports 2-5 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.

Educational: Includes little facts about each biome, making it a great addition to a gameschooling repertoire.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: Some players may experience significant decision-making delays.

Complex Scoring: The scoring system can be intricate and may cause confusion for new players.

Luck Element: The draw of cards can introduce an element of luck that affects strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Subastral

**Subastral** is ideal for couples or groups who enjoy strategic games without being overwhelmed by complexity. It is a great choice for those who appreciate a mix of relaxation and cerebral challenge. The game’s educational aspect and beautiful artwork make it a solid addition to any game collection, particularly for those interested in learning about different biomes. However, it may not be the best fit for very young players due to the need for strategic thinking and memory of game rules.

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