Vintage "Star Probe" tabletop game manual by John M. Snider, published by TSR Games, priced at $6.00, featuring a graphic of a space explorer in a spacesuit next to a starry background, enclosed in a protective plastic sleeve.
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Star Probe (1974)

ByMichail

Star Probe

“Star Probe” is a science fiction board game written by John Snider and published in 1975 by TSR, Inc., with artwork by Paul Snider. It was the first of a series of interconnected space games, followed by “Star Empires”. The game consists of a 36-page rulebook with a map and counters, which players use in their quest for interstellar exploration.

Why is Star Probe Popular?

“Star Probe” is significant because it was part of a growing field of science fiction board games in the 1970s. It was supposed to be the first game in a trilogy, but by the time TSR released the second game, “Star Empires” (1977), they had already found their niche and shifted their focus away from science fiction board gaming. The game is popular among fans of science fiction and board games, and it has been featured on platforms like BoardGameGeek.

Game Components of Star Probe

– 36-page rulebook
– Map
– Counters

Game Setup of Star Probe

Prepare the game materials by laying out the map and gathering the necessary counters and tokens. Determine the number of players and the length of each player’s turn. Each player chooses a starting location on the map and places their markers on the map accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics of Star Probe

“Star Probe” is a turn-based game where players take turns exploring the map, encountering various planets and space phenomena, and engaging in battles with other players or hostile inhabitants. The game is divided into 60 game turns, with each turn corresponding to one month in the game. Players can explore the map, discover new planets, and engage in trade and diplomacy with other players.

Game Objective of Star Probe

The objective of “Star Probe” is to explore the map, discover new planets, and establish a presence on them while managing resources and engaging in trade and diplomacy with other players. The game is designed to be a long-term campaign game, as opposed to a one-shot game.

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Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl