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Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter (1985) Board Game

ByMichail

Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter is a board game released in 1985 by West End Games. It is based on the popular science fiction television series Star Trek, which follows the adventures of the starship Enterprise and its crew. The game allows 2 to 4 players to take on the roles of different characters from the show as they explore space, encounter aliens, and complete missions.

Game Components of Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter

  • Gameboard: 22″ × 17″
  • Playing pieces: 4 Enterprises and 24 crew members
  • Rule sheet: 4 pages
  • Captain’s Log: A 4-page short story by Douglas Kaufman
  • Adventure cards: 25
  • Battle cards: 43
  • Reference card**
  • Cardboard Bridge racks: 4
  • 6-sided die**

    How To Setup Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter

    Each player places their Enterprise token on one of the four home planets. The game requires scattering the crew members across various planets, and each player must prepare their ship for the mission to re-establish contact with Trelane.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Movement: Determined by die rolls
  • Objective: Collect one crew member for each of the six ship Divisions (Command, Science, Medical, Security, Navigation, and Communications)
  • Combat: Ships can engage in combat if they land on a Tractor Zone, with the winner claiming a crew member from the loser
  • Final combat: Players return to their home planet once they have all six crew members; other players must try to steal at least one crew member to prolong the game

    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 you don’t want to set up something more complex.

    Pros

  • Engaging gameplay: Combines exploration, set collection, and combat.
  • Thematic depth: Faithfully represents the Star Trek universe.
  • Quick playtime: Less than an hour, making it a great filler game.

    Cons

  • Simplistic mechanics: May not appeal to players seeking complex gameplay.
  • Limited replayability: The core mission remains the same, which could lead to repetitive gameplay.

    Personal Thoughts on Star Trek: The Enterprise 4 Encounter

    This game is perfect for fans of the Star Trek series and those who enjoy light, action-packed board games. It’s a great introduction to board gaming for new players and a fun, nostalgic experience for veterans. However, it might not be the best fit for players looking for deeply strategic or highly replayable games.

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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

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