Astra (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Astra is an abstract strategy card game designed by Csilla Fekete and published in in 2022. It is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by Mindclash Games. The game is designed for 2-5 players and has a playing time of 40-90 minutes. With its mix of action retrieval, area majority/influence, end game bonuses, and set collection, Astra offers a challenging and strategic experience for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Astra

Player boards

Dry-erase pens

Constellation cards (48 cards)

Stardust gems

Market board

Boon rewards

How To Setup Astra

To set up Astra, players start by each receiving a player board and a dry-erase pen. The market board is prepared with a number of constellation cards scaled to the player count. Each player begins with a set amount of stardust gems, initially five, though a house rule suggests starting with seven for faster gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players mark stars on constellation cards in the market.

Set Collection: Players aim to collect cards that match specific elements for end-game scoring.

Card Powers: Each constellation card has a power that can be exhausted at the start of a turn.

Stardust Management: Players spend stardust to mark stars and can refresh their stardust by taking a rest action.

Boons: Rewards for participating in completing constellation cards, such as points, additional stardust, or increased pouch size.

Objective: The player who completes a constellation card gets to keep it, while other players receive boons based on their participation.

Player Experience

Astra is designed to be a casual game with low downtime, making it accessible and quick to play. Each turn involves spending stardust, coloring in stars, and sometimes taking a rest action to refresh resources and cards. The game encourages strategic planning, especially in aligning constellation cards with the player’s secret final scoring conditions.

Pros

Easy to Teach: Simple and intuitive rules.

Low Downtime: Quick turns and minimal waiting time.

Cool Artwork: Attractive and thematic illustrations.

Casual yet Strategic: Balances light gameplay with strategic depth.

Cons

Potential for Slow Games: If players avoid completing cards, the game can drag on.

Need for House Rules: Some players find the game improves with adjustments like increasing the starting stardust.

Personal Thoughts on Astra

Astra is ideal for those who enjoy casual, family-friendly games that don’t overstay their welcome. It’s a great choice for players looking for a mix of tactics and strategy without the complexity of heavier games. While it may benefit from some house rules to enhance the pacing, Astra remains a fun and interactive game that keeps players engaged through its short and sweet gameplay sessions.

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