StarFall (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

StarFall is a space exploration board game released in in 2016. It is designed by Ian O’Toole and features artwork from IDW Games and Pandasaurus Games. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 13 and up. StarFall combines auction/bidding and set collection mechanics to create a unique gameplay experience.

Game Components of StarFall

Game board

Sky Tiles

Player tokens

Bidding tokens

Rulebook

Box and packaging with a stellar aesthetic

How To Setup StarFall

To set up StarFall, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area, which represents the Royal Hinterlands Observatory. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting position on the board. The Sky Tiles are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. Bidding tokens are distributed evenly among the players. The game is now ready for the players to start their astronomical adventures.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding Mechanic: Players bid on Sky Tiles to collect the most valuable sets.

Press-Your-Luck: The longer players hold out, the cheaper the “lot” becomes, but the higher the chance of losing to other players.

Set Collection: Players aim to build the most impressive portfolio of cosmic curiosities.

Objective: Be the first player to collect and arrange the Sky Tiles in a way that maximizes their score, winning the game by achieving the highest total.

Player Experience

StarFall is a game that balances strategy and patience, making it an engaging yet calming experience. Players enjoy the soothing mechanic of moving Sky Tiles around the stargazer board, with minimal downtime between turns. The game is easy to learn but challenging enough to keep players invested, making it a great gateway title for those new to board games.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Quick and simple rules make it accessible to a wide variety of players.

Aesthetic Appeal: The game’s packaging and pieces have a fantastic, star-themed design.

Low Downtime: Players are frequently engaged, reducing waiting times.

Replay Value: Good for passing the time and encourages multiple plays.

Cons

Strategy Level: While easy to learn, it requires enough strategy that it may not be suitable for young children.

Misprint in Rules: There is a known misprint in the point system rules, which can be confusing.

Personal Thoughts on StarFall

StarFall is ideal for those who enjoy light to medium-strategy games, particularly fans of bidding and set collection mechanics. It’s a great addition to game nights for groups of 2-4 players, especially those with older children (around 10 years old) or adults who are casual gamers. The game’s unique setup and soothing gameplay make it a delightful experience for anyone looking to explore the cosmos in a fun and competitive way.

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