"Cover of 'Star Smuggler,' a solitaire board game, featuring a spaceship over a planet with a starry space background. Text indicates it's a programmed adventure for one player, designed by Dennis Sustare, for ages 12 and up."
| | | | | | | | | | | |

Star Smuggler (1982)

ByMichail

Star Smuggler

Star Smuggler is a solitaire board game set in the far future, where players take on the role of Duke Springer, accumulating their fortune by trading goods and services using their spaceship. The game was first released in 1983 and has since become a classic solo game. It was later re-released as a Light Space Opera Role-Playing Game (LSORPG) by Doppelgänger Publishing in 2023. The game is available as a print and play online at dwarfstar.brainiac.com.

Why is Star Smuggler Popular?

Star Smuggler is popular and significant for several reasons:
– Solitaire Gameplay: The game is designed for one player, eliminating the need for an opponent and allowing players to immerse themselves in the story.
– Space-Themed Adventure: The game takes place in a space opera setting, which appeals to fans of science fiction and space exploration.
– Light Space Opera Role-Playing Game: The LSORPG version of the game combines elements of role-playing and board gaming, offering a unique gaming experience for players.
– Print and Play Option: The game is available as a print and play online, making it accessible to players who prefer physical copies of their games.

Game Components of Star Smuggler

  • Twelve 4″x3″ full-color mapboard tiles
  • Four full-color counters
  • A rules booklet
  • An events booklet
  • Gaming dice.

    How To Setup Star Smuggler

    Setting up Star Smuggler involves preparing the mapboard tiles, counters, and the events booklet. Players start by creating the Pavonis Sector map using the tiles, then place their starship and other necessary counters. The events booklet guides the player through the game, presenting various encounters and challenges. The rules booklet provides the necessary instructions for gameplay and decision-making.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics

  • Solitaire gameplay with no opponent needed
  • Pre-programmed sequence of encounters via the events booklet
  • Decision-making based on the player’s choices
  • Use of gaming dice for resolving outcomes

    Game Objective

  • Accumulate wealth by trading goods and services across the Pavonis Sector
  • Pay off debts while evading the law and other dangers
  • Make decisions that can result in huge profits or dire consequences.

    Player Experience

    In Star Smuggler, you play as Duke Springer, a dashing star smuggler navigating the seedy underbelly of the galaxy. The game is filled with tense adventures, from hyper-jumping between systems to engaging in industrial spying and other illicit activities. Each playthrough is unique due to the pre-programmed but variable sequence of encounters in the events booklet. This makes the game highly replayable, offering a different experience each time you play.

    Pros

  • High replayability due to the variable events booklet
  • Engaging and immersive storyline
  • Simple yet effective gameplay mechanics
  • Suitable for solo play, making it great for those who enjoy playing alone

    Cons

  • Limited complexity, which may not appeal to players seeking more intricate gameplay
  • Outdated components and design compared to modern games
  • The game’s themes and mechanics may not appeal to all players, particularly those who prefer cooperative or competitive play.

    Personal Thoughts on Star Smuggler

    Star Smuggler is ideal for fans of science fiction and solo adventures. It offers a unique blend of strategy and storytelling that can be quite captivating. While it may not be as sophisticated as modern board games, its nostalgic charm and simplicity make it a compelling choice for those looking to explore the early days of solo board gaming. If you’re someone who enjoys playing alone and doesn’t mind a bit of vintage flair, Star Smuggler could be an excellent addition to your gaming collection.

    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. 

    • 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