Starleader: Assault! – A Futuristic Man-To-Man Combat Game (1982) Board Game

Starleader: Assault! is a futuristic man-to-man combat board game released in in 1982. Designed by David R. Deitrick, Jeff Hayes, and Norman Royal, this game is set in a science fiction universe where players engage in tactical warfare on a hexagon grid battlefield. With a runtime of 60 minutes, the game is best played with 2 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Starleader: Assault!

Game board featuring a Kyrathan ‘Royal’ class warp yacht

Game cards

Rulebook

Tokens or markers for combat and movement

How To Setup Starleader: Assault!

To set up the game, players need to place the game board, which represents the interior of the warp yacht. Each player chooses their side, either the defenders or the attackers. The game cards and tokens are distributed according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. The setup is straightforward, preparing players for the man-to-man combat scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Science fiction, microgame

Mechanics: Man-to-man combat, strategic movement

Objective: The attackers aim to capture or destroy key areas of the warp yacht, while the defenders must prevent this and protect their ship.

Setting: 30th century of the Space Era (SE)

Player Experience

**Starleader: Assault** offers a fast-paced and intense combat experience, ideal for those who enjoy tactical and strategic gameplay. Players must think carefully about their movements and actions, as the game is designed for quick decisions and swift outcomes.

Pros

Quick Setup: Easy to set up and start playing.

Strategic Depth: Requires tactical thinking and planning.

Thematic Immersion: Engaging science fiction setting.

Introductory: Great for introducing new players to combat mechanics.

Cons

Limited Replayability: As a microgame, it may lack the complexity and variety of larger games.

Simple Components: The game’s simplicity might not appeal to players seeking more complex gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Starleader: Assault!

**Starleader: Assault** is perfect for fans of science fiction and tactical combat games. It is an excellent introduction to more complex combat mechanics and can be a fun, quick game for both new and experienced players. However, those looking for a game with high replayability or complex game mechanics might find it less satisfying.

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