Star Fighter (Lusio Games)
Perhaps the easiest way to explain what this game is about is to point out that it is possible to eliminate two opponents with the first card of the game... and that they will laugh it off... and that you are going to pay for it in the next game.
Star Fighter is a fast playing every man for himself dog-fight. The faster the better. It's not that there is no strategy - when and how you play Re-Route Power cards is absolutely key - it is just in-depth strategy is not the focus of the game... namely, dealing out fiery laser death to your enemies!
Quite definitely a multi-player game. Ideal for finishing off an evening (and avenging defeat in some other longer more stategic game) or for killing time at the beginning of a games session while you wait for the inevitable games day late-comers. In my opinion there is not a lot here for just two players but then neither do I think think that is aimed at the 2-player market. Nonetheless, there is enough to enable you to quickly learn (or teach) the game in a 2-player situation and you only need to increase the number of shield points to make it more interesting as a game for two.
The rules are very brief and, as a direct consequence, not completely clear in several places. Curiously, whilst this would be major weakness in a longer game, it somehow becomes part of the attraction in a very fast game, adding to it's longevity by encouraging players to vary the rules and actually explore the different possible interpretations of, for example, how many players must successfuly dodge a missile before it runs out of power or how long you are left defenceless by the effects of an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) weapon...
Again a personal opinion but I feel it is also worth being quite strict with the speed and finality of play. If a player mistakenly launches a missile behind them or a mine in front of them, make them deal with the consequences. The worst mistake you could make with this game is to take it too seriously. It's a dog-fight. Split-second life and death decisions. Squeezing the trigger only to find your own missile homing on you, might not be exactly what you had in mind but the game is faster, funnier and completely in character if these mistakes are left in...
- Players: 2-8
- Time: 20-40 minutes