Star Fleet Battles (1979)
Star Fleet Battles
Star Fleet Battles (SFB) is a tactical board game that simulates ship-to-ship warfare in an offshoot of the Star Trek setting called the Star Fleet Universe. The game was originally created in 1979 by Stephen V. Cole and has had four major editions, with the current edition published by Amarillo Design Bureau as Star Fleet Battles, Captain’s Edition. The game uses cardboard counters to represent ships, shuttles, seeking weapons, terrain, and information on a hexagonal map. It is a game system for two or more players, and typically, a player will have one ship in a game, though they can control an entire fleet if they can keep track of the paperwork and options involved.The game is based on Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Animated Series, the Franz Joseph Star Trek Star Fleet Technical Manual, and other blueprints available in the late 70s. The Star Fleet Battles game system is based on four principles: The Ship, the Crew, the Mission, and the Technology. The game has given birth to the greater Star Fleet Universe and a number of related games, such as Federation Space, Federation & Empire, Prime Directive, and Starfleet Battle Force.
Why is Star Fleet Battles Popular?
Star Fleet Battles is popular and significant for several reasons:
– It is a tactical board game that allows players to engage in ship-to-ship warfare using Star Trek ships and technology.
– The game is based on the original Star Trek series and the Star Fleet Technical Manual, which adds authenticity and appeal to fans of the franchise.
– The game has a long history, dating back to 1979, and has had multiple editions and related games released over the years.
– The game allows players to control starships and fleets, offering a unique and immersive experience in the Star Trek universe.
Game Components of Star Fleet Battles
The Game Components of Star Fleet Battles include:
– Cardboard counters representing ships, shuttles, seeking weapons, terrain, and information.
– A hexagonal map.
– A rulebook.
– Starship sheets.
– Ship cards.
– Dice.
Game Setup of Star Fleet Battles
To set up the game, players need to:
– Place the hexagonal map on a flat surface.
– Shuffle the starship cards and place them face down in a draw pile.
– Each player selects a ship card and places it in front of them.
– Players take turns placing their ships on the hexagonal map, following the rules for ship placement.
– The game proceeds with players taking turns executing actions, such as moving, firing, and performing other ship-to-ship combat maneuvers.
Gameplay Mechanics of Star Fleet Battles
The Gameplay Mechanics of Star Fleet Battles involve:
– Players taking turns executing actions, such as moving, firing, and performing other ship-to-ship combat maneuvers.
– The use of dice to resolve combat and determine the outcome of actions.
– The tracking of ship damage and the potential for ships to be destroyed or disabled.
Game Objective of Star Fleet Battles
The Game Objective of Star Fleet Battles is to achieve victory by defeating the opposing player’s ships and controlling the hexagonal map.
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