Star Quest (1979) Board Game

Star Quest is a science fiction board game released in 1979, designed by Larry Catalano and published by an unknown publisher. It is a space exploration and wargame that allows 2–6 players to embark on a journey through the galaxy, encountering various challenges and obstacles along the way. The game features dice rolling, grid movement, and a hexagon grid for simulation purposes.

Game Components of Star Quest

11″ x 17″ paper hex grid map of the star system

100 die-cut counters

Plot sheet (to be photocopied — each player requires a clean plot sheet for each game)

4-page rulebook

How To Setup Star Quest

To set up the game, players start by hyperjumping their ships into the star system, with each ship ending at a random location on the hex grid map. Each player receives a plot sheet, and the counters are placed according to the initial positions of the ships.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Movement: Ships can move using either hyperjump (random location) or normal movement (straight line with momentum carried over from the previous turn). Gravitational effects of the star are considered at close range.

Combat: Ships fight by firing missiles; each ship can control up to six missiles. If a missile intersects with a ship, both are removed from the game.

Objective

The last player to survive, having destroyed all other ships and taken control of the star system, is the winner.

Player Experience

Playing Star Quest can be a tense and challenging experience, especially with two players, where it often feels like a duel. The game requires players to plan ahead and react quickly to the movements and missile firings of their opponents. While the rules are clear, mastering them and pre-planning several turns in advance takes experience.

Pros

Fast-paced Gameplay: The game is known for its quick and intense gameplay.

Realistic Mechanics: It is praised for almost obeying the laws of physics, making it a more realistic space combat game.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance planning ahead with quick reactions to changing circumstances.

Cons

Component Issues: The hex numbers on the map can be hard to read, and the light blue and dark blue counters are too similar.

Minor Inconveniences: Players need to photocopy the plot sheets for each game.

Limited Replayability: Some reviewers felt that the game, while challenging, did not offer significant replay value compared to other games.

Personal Thoughts on Star Quest

Star Quest is for fans of space combat and wargames who enjoy fast-paced, strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require planning and quick reflexes. However, due to its simplicity and some component issues, it may not be as appealing to players seeking more complex or visually stunning games. For its time, it remains a serviceable and challenging little game that can provide enjoyable, though not exceptionally long-lasting, gaming sessions.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.