Star Realms

Enter the universe of Star Realms, where four factions vie for control of the universe. Star Realms is a deck building game that is has a simple set of rules and a set up that is faster than light. This game takes about 5 minutes to learn the rules and get going. This is one of our family favorites. We have the big box of cards and we also have the app on our phones so we can play on the go. We found some time to squeeze this in during nap time at our house and we got out the physical cards. Its easily played in 15 minutes.

This is a two to six player game card game. All the players start with the exact same deck of 10 cards. You can use your trade points to buy cards from the trade row ( five cards face up in the center of the table). If you have combat points you can use them to destroy your opponents bases or reduce your opponents authority (HP). When your authority is reduced to zero or less you have lost. You build your deck using the cards you buy from each of the factions, a good strategy is to focus on one or two of the factions. A lot of cards have faction abilities. When you play a card with a faction ability if another card that matches is played by you that turn you get to use this additional ability.

Bases are printed in landscape on the card and stay in play until your opponent destroys it. They come in two flavors outposts and bases. Outposts must be destroyed before any combat points can be used against regular bases or your opponents authority.

If you are looking for a game that's more lightweight than dominion and possibly light years beyond in the fun category then this is your game. There are a bunch of expansions that add to the replay value but I find there is already a lot of replay value built in. I think the game is best played two player.

Designed by: Robert Dougherty, Darwin Kastle

Players: 2-6

Published by: ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Hobby World, White Wizard Games

Year Published: 2013

Recommended Ages: 12+

Time to Play: 20 minutes