A Call to Arms: Star Fleet (2011) Board Game

A Call to Arms: Star Fleet is a tabletop wargame set in the Star Fleet Universe, which is based on the Star Trek television series. Released in 2011 by Amarillo Design Bureau, Inc., the game allows players to take command of starships from various factions and engage in space battles.

Game Components of A Call to Arms: Star Fleet

Core Rulebook: Includes rules for playing the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, Kzintis, Gorns, Tholians, and Orion pirates.

Ship Rosters: Each roster includes an image of the ship.

Expanded Background Information: Available in the deluxe version, including chapters on tactics and painting ships.

Special Action Tokens: Used for various special actions during gameplay.

Battlefleet Roster: For organizing and tracking fleet compositions.

Miniatures: No hexes or counters are used; the game is purely miniatures-based.

How To Setup A Call to Arms: Star Fleet

Setting up the game involves preparing the miniatures, laying out the play area, and organizing the ship rosters and special action tokens. Players need to decide on the fleets they will use and set up the initial positions of their ships. The streamlined rules make setup relatively quick, allowing for large battles to commence without lengthy preparations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement Phase: Ships move according to their speed and maneuverability.

Attack Phase: Ships fire one at a time or in squadrons; if a ship is destroyed before its turn, it does not get to fire.

No Energy Allocation: Unlike other games in the Star Fleet Universe, this system does not require energy allocation, though special actions can impact ship performance.

Objective: The goal is to destroy the opposing fleet or achieve specific mission objectives.

Player Experience

A Call to Arms: Star Fleet offers a fast-paced and streamlined experience, allowing players to engage in large fleet battles within a single evening or smaller skirmishes in about an hour. The game’s simplicity and speed make it accessible to both new and experienced players, while the depth of the Star Fleet Universe provides rich background and complexity.

Pros

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Allows large battles to be completed quickly.

Streamlined Rules: Easy to learn and play, reducing complexity.

Rich Background: Includes detailed background information for the empires.

Versatile: Can handle small skirmishes or massive fleet battles.

Joint Ventures: Benefits from the experience of both ADB and Mongoose Publishing.

Cons

Limited Depth for Veterans: Some players might find the lack of complexity, such as no energy allocation, less engaging.

Dependence on Miniatures: Requires investment in miniatures, which can be costly.

Limited Advanced Tactics: Simplified rules might not appeal to players seeking highly strategic gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on A Call to Arms: Star Fleet

This game is ideal for fans of the Star Fleet Universe who want a quicker, more accessible way to enjoy fleet combat without the deep complexity of other games like Star Fleet Battles. It is also a good introduction for new players to the universe, offering a balance between simplicity and engaging gameplay. However, veterans of more complex space combat games might find the simplified mechanics less challenging. Overall, it’s a great option for those looking for fast-paced, action-packed space battles.

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