This is another of Heritage Models' Gametime Games, like Spellmaker, reviewed here last issue. It is a science-fiction game for two to four players, each attempting to move a startransport across the board, escorted by a fast, maneuverable starfighter and a powerful starcruiser, while preventing the other players from doing so. The mounted mapboard has a pattern of six-pointed stars, which has the same effect as a hexagon grid. Startransports and starcruisers can move one star or rotate 60 degrees each turn. Starfighters can move two stars, rotate 120 degrees or move one star and rotate 60 degrees. All ships must move each turn; they cannot remain stationary.

Starcruisers and starfighters fire after moving. Startransports don't fire. Firing range is four stars. The damage inflicted depends on the range. At four stars range one damage point is inflicted, at three stars two points, two stars three points and at one star range four points. When a ship loses a total of 10 points it is destroyed. Damage is kept track of with numbered damage markers on a score track. Starfighters can only fire straight ahead, one shot per turn. Starcruisers can fire up to three shots per turn: straight ahead, 60 degrees starboard and 60 degrees to port.

A unique aspect of the game is the movement sequence. For each ship there is a corresponding movement marker. At the start of a turn all these, for all sides, are turned upside down and scrambled. One is turned up and its corresponding ship is moved. Then another is turned up, and so on, until all ships have moved. This way all ships of all players are assured of moving once, and only once, each turn, yet their order of movement is completely random.

A number of optional rules are provided for players who want a slightly more complex game. These include hyperdrive, defensive screens and tenacle rays. This is a very interesting little game. It should be ideal for introducing newcomers, and especially young people, to wargaming. It sells for $9.95 and is available at your regular games dealer, or by mail from Lowry Enterprises.

Thumbnail Analysis Reviews

1942
Salerno: Operation Avalanche
Star Fighter
The Golden Horde