Starcraft
$69.99
Starcraft at a Glance
| Game Type Thematic, Science Fiction, Fighting, Miniatures, Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building, Modular Board, Variable Player Powers | Play Time 180 mins + | Skill/Complexity (4 - 5) Medium - Heavy |
| Age 12+ | Publisher(s) Fantasy Flight Games, and others | Published 2007 |
| Categories Strategy | Players 2 - 6 (4 is Best) | Cost $69.99 |
| Our Rating 8.6/10 | Rules Manual Official Rules PDF |
About – Description
Starcraft the Board Game was released in 2007 and designed by Corey Konieczka and Christian T. Petersen. Inspired by the 1998 Starcraft computer game .
The game is aimed at the older market as it comes with an age of 12 and over and is suitable for 2-6 players and plays well with either 2 players or 3vs3.
Who’s it best suited for?
Starcraft is aimed at those who like to experience a strategy game that provides a suitable challenge.
This strategy game, although suitable for ages of 12 and over does take an element of skill and understanding. It could prove challenging for a younger player but experienced players will embrace the required skill and ability to succeed.
Skill – Complexity
It does help if players have experience of strategy type board games because it is considered to be an above-average game to play in terms of complexity. It can take anything from 3 -4 hours to complete, so it requires concentration and commitment.
Players will need to be able to plan moves and make methodical decisions in order to win.
The 42 page instruction manual says it all in terms of reflecting the games complexity.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
Again, the complexity of this game can be seen in the set up alone. There are 180 figures and many different unit types. However, the modular board varies in size, giving way to a different experience each time it is played.
Starcraft the board game is driven by a card system with players fighting for galactic domination. Players are given two planets to begin, upon which they will place their starting base on one of them.
Every player is given control of a faction out of a possible six with that faction belonging to a single race out of Terran, Zerg and Protoss. Players then have to control areas on planets, build units and upgrade bases using resources.
Every turn is split into a planning phase followed by an execution phase and then a regrouping phase.
The leader (player) of the faction that achieves one of the various victory conditions will win the game.
Other Versions, Editions or Expansions Available?
Released in 2007, the board game Starcraft has also been released in a number of countries.
Three expansions have been released with the game: Typhon Promotion released in 2008, Brood War Expansion released in 2008 and Brood War Promotional Leadership Cards which were also released in 2008.
Brood War is a must for Starcraft to play out at its best.
Likes & Dislikes
- Great artwork and components.
- Excellent tactical depth and only the best player wins at this game with no luck at all involved.
- Good combination of resource management and aggression.
- Fans of Starcraft the video and PC game wont be disappointed with the board game version matching as well as it does.
- Replayability is very high. It could take forever to master.
- We and others have found some issues with the game when not used with the expansion (Brood War), so grab hold of the expansion. It does not seem fair in costs to need the expansion so quickly after purchasing the base game.
- You need the right players, with enough table space and willing to invest over 3 hours playing. And, can do complexity.
The game has a lot of followers but it has been found that the game can prove difficult to teach. Therefore, it is down to players to take it upon themselves to learn all about it. The Brood War extension gives the game a new dimension and brings it to life.
Players love the fact that this is a tactical combat game that offers excitement and the thrill that is expected. Despite this, players have said that the game could come with more narrative, while the playing time could be shorter.
Final Thoughts
The game is a great choice for strategy game lovers. It is a game that evolves and grows every time it is played. Clearly, it is aimed at a specific audience but the combat style and logical approach make this a very popular game.
This is more than likely a game just for those who have experience of playing similar styles. However, once players understand the rules and how it plays, it certainly keeps them hooked in trying to eliminate every other faction from play to become the chief ruler of Starcraft.
