Star Scrappers: Cave-in (2018) Board Game

Star Scrappers: Cave-in is a sci-fi themed card game designed by Filip Miłuński and Jan Zalewski, and published by FoxGames in in 2018. The game takes place in a futuristic universe where players take on the roles of rival mining corporations competing to extract valuable resources from a dangerous asteroid.

Game Components of Star Scrappers: Cave-in

Game board

Player boards

Resource tokens

Action cards

Equipment cards

Hazard tokens

Miner meeples

Scorepad

How To Setup Star Scrappers: Cave-in

To set up the game, each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The main game board is placed in the middle of the playing area. Players receive a set of resource tokens and a starting hand of action cards. The equipment deck and hazard tokens are also prepared and placed within easy reach of all players. Each player chooses a starting miner meeple to place on their player board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players manage resources such as credits, ore, and scrap.

Action Point Allowance System: Players use action points to perform various actions like mining, equipping miners, and resolving hazards.

Deck-Building: Players build their deck of action cards to improve their chances of success.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to extract three modules from the cave, or have the most points when the cave collapses or all modules are extracted.

Player Experience

In Star Scrappers: Cave-in, players immerse themselves in a competitive mining environment. The game combines strategic resource management with the unpredictability of hazard events, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Players must balance their actions to optimize resource collection, equip their miners effectively, and navigate the dangers of the cave.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good balance of strategy and luck.

Replayability: The random setup of the cave and the availability of different action cards ensure high replay value.

Thematic Engagement: The space-western theme is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Competitive Fun: The game fosters a competitive atmosphere among players.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a moderate to high learning curve due to the complex interplay of mechanics.

Component Quality: Some players may find the quality of the components to be average.

Playtime: Games can be lengthy, typically lasting around 45-90 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Star Scrappers: Cave-in

Star Scrappers: Cave-in is ideal for fans of resource management and competitive strategy games. It suits players who enjoy a mix of planning and adapting to unpredictable events. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great addition to any serious board game collection.

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