Forbidden Stars (2015) Board Game

Forbidden Stars is a strategic board game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, where players take control of one of four factions vying for dominance. Released in 2015, the game has garnered attention for its deep strategy and immersive gameplay.

Game Components of Forbidden Stars

Plastic Figures: Each faction has a set of plastic units.

Cards: Four decks per faction, including random event cards, combat decks, and upgrade cards.

Objective Tokens: Represent various objectives for each faction.

Order Tokens: Used for secret orders such as building, claiming resources, upgrading, and moving units.

Warp Storms: Four slivers of pink cardboard that alter the game map.

Dice: Custom dice for resolving combat.

Faction-Specific Components: Unique components for each of the four factions (Ultramarines, World Eaters, Evil Sunz Orks, and Craftworld Iyanden Eldar).

How To Setup Forbidden Stars

To set up Forbidden Stars, players first lay out an array of planets on the map. Each player places their faction’s starting units around the map and then places their objective tokens on various planets. Players also receive starting forces and resources specific to their faction. The board is prepared with the warp storms, which can significantly impact gameplay by changing the map’s layout.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Secret Order System: Players place secret order tokens face-down on the map, which can be for building, claiming resources, upgrading, or moving units.

Order Resolution: Orders are resolved in the order they were placed, with the last player to place an order resolving their action first.

Combat Mechanics: Combines dice rolls with a light deck-building mechanic where players can play cards from their combat deck to boost their attacks.

Objective Capture: Players win by capturing a number of objective tokens equal to the number of players.

Warp Storms: These alter the map and can create unexpected tactics and conflicts.

Player Experience

Forbidden Stars offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players engage in a mix of strategic planning with secret orders and tactical battles with a combination of dice and cards. The game encourages table talk and diplomacy, as alliances can shift rapidly. The warp storms add an element of unpredictability, making each game unique and requiring players to adapt quickly. Combat can be complex but becomes intuitive after a few rounds, leading to tense and enjoyable battles.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Simple to learn but deep in strategy.

Unique Mechanics: The secret order system and warp storms add unique elements to the game.

High Replayability: Each game is different due to the variable setup and warp storms.

Immersive Theme: Captures the grim-dark feel of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Multiple Factions: Each faction has distinct abilities and playstyles.

Cons

Complex Combat: The combat mechanic can be over-complex and unintuitive at first.

High Component Count: A large number of components can be overwhelming.

Time Commitment: While quicker than some grand empire-building games, it still requires a significant time commitment.

Personal Thoughts on Forbidden Stars

Forbidden Stars is ideal for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and those who enjoy strategic, action-packed board games. It is a great option for players who like grand empire-building games but prefer a game that can be completed in an afternoon rather than over a weekend. The game’s unique mechanics and high replayability make it a solid choice for anyone looking for a challenging yet engaging board game experience.

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