Dark Stars (board game)

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Dark Stars is a 1980 board game published by Simulations Canada.

Contents

Gameplay

Dark Stars is a game involving the exploration and colonization of a globular cluster where the intruding Terrans interfere in a rivalry between three races native to the region. [1]

Reception

William A. Barton reviewed Dark Stars in The Space Gamer No. 42. [1] Barton commented that "Overall, while Dark Stars might prove a moderately interesting diversion for those who don't mind having to improvise a bit on rules and who wish a change from Stellar Conquest or other such games, its faults, coupled with its overinflated [...] price tag, are enough that most gamers should be advised to look elsewhere." [1]

Steve List reviewed Dark Stars in Ares Magazine #8 and commented that "the game is only half-cooked. The essential idea behind it is good and parts of the design are very nice, but on the whole it is underdeveloped and not terribly well produced as a physical artifact. If you like to tinker with game designs, but it, for you're sure to find lots of things to elaborate on. However, if you want a complete product, look elsewhere." [2]

Eric Goldberg reviewed Dark Stars in Ares Magazine #8 and commented that "Dark Stars is essentially a simple, time-consuming, solitaire exercise. Interplayer contact is discouraged by the system, which makes sense in light of the rationale. I cannot say the game is very rewarding face-to-face, but it should be an excellent play-by-mail vehicle." [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Barton, William A. (August 1981). "Capsule Reviews". The Space Gamer . Steve Jackson Games (42): 30.
  2. ↑ List, Steve (May 1981). "An SF Game Sampler". Ares Magazine . Simulations Publications, Inc. (8): 25-26.
  3. ↑ Goldberg, Eric (May 1981). "Games". Ares Magazine . Simulations Publications, Inc. (8): 30.
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