Before There Were Stars… (2018) Board Game

Before There Were Stars… is a storytelling board game released in in 2018. Designed by Marthy Angue and Lisa Falzon, this game delves into ancient mythology and allows players to create and share their own myths and legends.

Game Components of Before There Were Stars…

Constellation cards featuring single words or aspects

Story cards with mythic themes

Dice for determining card selection

Colored bags and stars for scoring

Moon tokens

Offering Bags for awarding stars

“Over the Moon” cards for bonus points

How To Setup Before There Were Stars…

To set up the game, create a pool of stars in the center of the table and shuffle the stack of constellation cards, placing them nearby. Each player receives a 2-sided story card with the Myth side facing up, along with a matching colored bag and a Moon token. Determine the first player and give them one set of the dice, with the second player receiving the additional set. Flip five constellation cards face up to form a selection row, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stargazing Phase: Players roll dice to purchase constellation cards that feature words or aspects to incorporate into their story.

Storytelling Phase: Each player tells a portion of their mythic creation story, using the constellation cards and story prompts, with each story lasting about one minute.

Appreciation Phase: Players award colored stars to the storyteller they enjoyed the most, with each star having a different point value.

Game Objective: To create engaging stories that connect with the audience and earn the most stars to become the Master Lore Giver.

Player Experience

Before There Were Stars… is an improvisational storytelling game that guides players through the process of creating mythic creation stories inspired by constellations. The game is structured into four storytelling rounds or Chapters, each with three phases. Players must incorporate previous story elements into their narratives, making the game feel like an interactive literary exercise. The time limits and specific prompts help keep the game moving and encourage creative storytelling.

Pros

Encourages Creativity: The game prompts creative storytelling, especially useful for younger players or those looking to hone their improvisational skills.

Educational Value: Includes a Common Core Lesson Plan for ELA Grades 6-12, making it a valuable tool for teachers.

Positive Feedback: The scoring system focuses on appreciation and positive feedback, making players feel good about their contributions.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families and educational settings to foster creative storytelling.

Cons

Limited Appeal: The game may not appeal to all adults, especially those who prefer more complex mechanics or have extensive experience with improvisational storytelling.

Restrictive Structure: The strict format and time limits can feel confining for some players.

Not for Every Group: May not be engaging for groups that prefer more traditional board game mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Before There Were Stars…

Before There Were Stars… is ideal for groups who prioritize storytelling over game mechanics, such as families, parents, or teachers looking to guide younger players through a creative and educational experience. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy improvisational storytelling and need structured prompts to get started. However, it may not be the best fit for adults seeking more complex or mechanically rich games.

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