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The Stars Align (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

The Stars Align is an abstract strategy board game released in 2018 by designer Ian Reed and published by Breaking Games. The game is designed for 2 players, with a runtime of 15-30 minutes, making it a quick and engaging play experience. With a focus on pattern recognition and tile placement mechanics, The Stars Align challenges players to strategically place their tiles to create constellations and earn points.

Game Components of The Stars Align

  • Board:** A 7×7 grid printed on the back of a cloth bag.
  • Cards:** Constellation cards with four-star patterns.
  • Star Tokens:** Wooden stars, white on one side and brown on the other, to differentiate between players.
  • Point Tokens:** Star-shaped tokens to track points.

    How To Setup The Stars Align

    To set up the game, simply flip over the cloth bag to reveal the 7×7 board. Shuffle the constellation cards and place them within reach. Position the star tokens nearby, and give each player their respective point tokens, starting at 0 points.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Categories:** Abstract Game Play, Pattern Recognition.
  • Game Time:** 15 – 30 minutes.
  • Objective:** To be the first player to score 5 shooting star points by filling rows or columns with your player’s color.
  • Phases:**
  • Dusk Phase:** Players draw constellation cards and add stars to the board without overlapping other players’ stars. Complete rows or columns are cleared, and the player earns a point.
  • Night Phase:** Begins when a player cannot play their card without overlapping. Players can overlap up to three of their opponent’s stars, flipping them to their own color.
  • Mechanics:**
    – Players can rotate constellation patterns before placing them.
    – Covering own stars flips them to the opponent’s color.
    – Clearing rows or columns awards shooting star points.

    Player Experience

    The game is known for its puzzly element, requiring players to constantly analyze the board to maximize their chances of scoring. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to both children (ages 6 and up) and adults. The gameplay is reminiscent of the ancient game “Go,” with a focus on controlling the board and strategically placing stars.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to a wide age range.
  • Quick Playtime:** Games typically last between 10-30 minutes.
  • Portable:** The game comes in a lightweight, compact package.
  • Strategic Depth:** Offers a good balance of tactical complexity and fun.
  • Cute Theme/Aesthetic:** A charming star-gazing theme.

    Cons

  • Overlap Rules:** The mechanism can be confusing at first, requiring some explanation.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed exclusively for two players.

    Personal Thoughts on The Stars Align

    The Stars Align is a great choice for anyone looking for a light, yet strategically engaging game. It’s perfect for a quick play session between other games or as a travel companion due to its compact size. The game’s appeal spans across different age groups, making it a versatile addition to any board game collection. However, those seeking games for larger player counts might find it limiting.

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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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