Strange New Worlds (1978) – Board Game Guys

Strange New Worlds

“Strange New Worlds” is a 1978 board game published by Heritage Models under the name of Gametime Games. The game allows players to use starships to travel from world to world in an unknown portion of the universe, where they must explore, conquer, and exploit new galaxies. The game gained positive reviews, with Norman S. Howe commenting in The Space Gamer No. 24 that it is a “fascinating, exciting game with overtones of Star Trek and the best space operas”.

Game Components of Strange New Worlds

Game board featuring various planetary systems

Starship game pieces

Dice or spinners for movement

World cards representing different planets with unique challenges and resources

Player tokens and scoring markers

How To Setup Strange New Worlds

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a starship game piece and places it at the starting point on the board. World cards are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. Players receive their starting resources and tokens. The game is ready to begin once all components are in place and players understand their starting positions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Roll / Spin and Move

Objective: Players use their starships to travel from world to world, exploring new planets, managing resources, and overcoming challenges to earn points.

Gameplay: On each turn, players roll dice or use a spinner to determine how many spaces they can move their starship. They can land on a planet, draw a world card, and resolve the challenges or benefits listed on the card.

Player Experience

Playing **Strange New Worlds** is an immersive experience, especially for fans of science fiction and space exploration. The game captures the essence of adventures like *Star Trek*, as noted by reviewer Norman S. Howe, who praised it as “a fascinating, exciting game with overtones of the best space operas”.

Pros

Immersive Theme: The game offers a rich science fiction setting that appeals to fans of space exploration.

Variety: Each world card provides a unique challenge or opportunity, ensuring varied gameplay.

Social Interaction: Suitable for 2 to 6 players, promoting social interaction and competitive spirit.

Cons

Simple Mechanics: The roll/spin and move mechanic can be seen as simplistic by some players.

Limited Replay Value: The game may lack the complexity and depth that some modern players expect.

Outdated Components: The game’s components and design may appear outdated compared to contemporary board games.

Personal Thoughts on Strange New Worlds

**Strange New Worlds** is ideal for those who enjoy classic board games with a strong thematic focus on science fiction and exploration. It is particularly suited for players looking for a light, fun experience that does not require extensive rules or complex strategies. While it may not appeal to hardcore gamers seeking deep mechanics, it remains a nostalgic gem for many who grew up with it and a great introduction to board gaming for newcomers.

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