Star Cartel (2017) Board Game

Star Cartel is a card game that was released in 2017, designed by Michał Niewiadomy and published by Osprey Games. It falls into the categories of Card Game, Economic, Science Fiction, and Transportation, offering players a unique gaming experience in the realm of commodity speculation and interstellar trade.

Game Components of Star Cartel

Player ships: Each player starts with a ship having a set capacity for contraband.

Contraband cards: Representing five different types of goods such as med kits and energy crystals, arranged in a 4×3 grid.

Value tracker: A track to record the current value of contraband.

Ship upgrade cards: New ships with increased capacity and special abilities.

Tokens: For tracking the value of contraband types.

How To Setup Star Cartel

To set up Star Cartel, place 12 contraband cards in a 4×3 grid. Each player selects a starting ship with its specified capacity. The value tracker is initialized, and each player is ready to begin filling their ship with contraband.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:
– Card drafting: Players select contraband cards from the bottom row.
– Ship upgrades: Players can upgrade their ships to increase capacity and gain special abilities.
– Market manipulation: Players influence the value of contraband by delivering specific types.

Game Objective:
– The goal is to amass the highest valued stash of contraband by the end of the game.
– Players deliver contraband, discard types to adjust market values, and keep selected cards for their stash.
– The game ends when the last ship is drawn, and each player gets one final turn.

Player Experience

Star Cartel offers a engaging and strategic experience. Players must balance their contraband collection, watch their opponents’ moves, and manage market values to maximize their stash. The game is easy to teach, with rules that can be explained in five minutes or less. Fans of the series Firefly will find the smuggling theme and mechanics particularly appealing.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic depth: Players must manage market values and opponent moves.

Quick gameplay: Games typically last between 20 to 30 minutes.

High replayability: Multiple strategies and random card placements ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Limited component quality: Some players might find the contraband cards too small.

Dependence on strategy: The game’s enjoyment can vary based on the players’ strategic thinking.

Personal Thoughts on Star Cartel

Star Cartel is perfect for those who enjoy light economic games with a touch of strategy and social interaction. It’s ideal for fans of games like Firefly and anyone looking for a quick, engaging game night experience. The game’s themes and mechanics make it appealing to both casual and seasoned gamers.

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