Star Maps (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Star Maps is a board game released in 2017 by designer Bryan Fischer and published by MS Edizioni. It is a roll-and-write game that can be played by 1-4 players, with a recommended player count of 2. The game is set in outer space, where players will explore and chart the stars to earn points.

Game Components of Star Maps

Perforated game sheets in a book

Pencils

Two d6 dice

Bonus pages for unlocking additional game features

How To Setup Star Maps

To set up the game, each player needs to tear out a sheet from the book, ensuring all players have sheets with the same layout. Each player should have two d6 dice ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players roll two d6 dice and can choose to write or ignore the roll.
– If writing, they select one die to indicate the color of the star and write the number from the other die in an adjacent box.
– Filled boxes adjacent to a star are scored by filling in the star with the difference of the two values.

Unlocking Bonuses: Filling in every star of a color unlocks a bonus, allowing players to choose from available bonuses listed in the book.

Connecting Arms: Players must fill in lock circles to connect arms, which often require completing specific stars.

Game End: The game ends when any player cannot play anymore, and the player with the most points wins.

Scoring: Points are totalled from filled stars and arms, with unique scoring conditions on each player board.

Player Experience

In **Star Maps**, players take on the roles of astronomers competing to chart the cosmos effectively. The game combines strategic decision-making with a touch of luck, as players must optimize their dice rolls to fill in their star maps. The ability to unlock bonuses and connect arms adds a layer of complexity and strategy, making each game engaging and varied.

Pros

Easy Setup: Simple and quick to set up.

Strategic Depth: Offers a balance of luck and strategy.

Replayability: Unique star maps and bonuses ensure different experiences each game.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Post-Game Engagement: Winners can name stars and create constellations, while losers can collaborate to unlock future bonuses.

Cons

Luck Factor: Heavily dependent on dice rolls, which can lead to uneven outcomes.

Limited Player Interaction: Primarily a solo or competitive experience with minimal direct interaction between players.

Component Quality: Relies on pencils and paper sheets, which may not be as durable as other game components.

Personal Thoughts on Star Maps

**Star Maps** is ideal for those who enjoy roll-and-write games, appreciate strategic thinking, and have a fascination with space and astronomy. It is a great introduction to more complex board games, making it suitable for families and casual gamers. However, players seeking high player interaction or more robust game components might find **Star Maps** less appealing. Overall, it is a fun, quick, and engaging game that adds a touch of cosmic exploration to your gaming sessions.

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