Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter (1985)

Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter

“Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter” is a combat board game for 2-4 players, published by West End Games in 1985, based on the TV series Star Trek. The game is set in the Star Trek universe and involves players representing the crew of the USS Enterprise, seeking out the powerful being Trelane from the episode “The Squire of Gothos”. Trelane sends each player to a copy of the Enterprise, while the remaining crew members are scattered to various planets.

Game Components of Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter

22″ × 17″ gameboard

28 playing pieces: 4 *Enterprises* and 24 crew members

4-page rule sheet

4-page “Captain’s Log”, a short story written by Douglas Kaufman

25 Adventure cards

43 Battle cards

A Reference card

4 cardboard Bridge racks

A 6-sided die

How To Setup Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter

To set up the game, each player places their *Enterprise* token on one of the four home planets. The gameboard is laid out, and the crew members are scattered across various planets. Players also receive the necessary cards and components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Using die rolls for movement, players navigate around the board.

Crew Collection: Players must search planets for marooned crew members, aiming to collect one crew member for each of the six ship Divisions (Command, Science, Medical, Security, Navigation, and Communications).

Combat: Trelane has reformatted the ship sensors so that other *Enterprises* appear as Klingon warbirds. Combat can be initiated if a ship lands on a Tractor Zone, allowing the winner to claim a crew member from the loser.

Final Combat: Once a player has all six crew members, they return to their home planet. Other players engage in a final round of combat to try to steal at least one crew member. If unsuccessful, the player with all six crew members wins.

Player Experience

This game works best with three or four players and typically takes less than an hour to play. It is described as a game that “grows on you” and is ideal for when players want something less complex to set up. The game requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck, making it engaging and fun.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Easy to set up and can be played in under an hour.

Strategic Depth: Combines movement, set collection, and combat for an engaging experience.

Thematic: Deeply rooted in the *Star Trek* universe, making it a delight for fans.

Cons

Simplicity: Some players may find the game mechanics too simple or repetitive.

Luck Factor: The use of a 6-sided die introduces an element of luck that might not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter

This game is perfect for fans of *Star Trek* and those who enjoy light to medium complexity board games. It offers a fun, quick gaming experience that is great for casual game nights or as an introduction to more complex strategy games. While it may not be as intricate as some modern board games, its nostalgic value and thematic depth make it a charming addition to any board game collection.

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