Starship Captain (1982)

About this game

Starship Captain comes with 9 good quality hex space maps measuring 20" x 15", 2 sets of cardstock ships (some 5" long), and rules and scenario booklets with one d20. After choosing the scenario to play each player takes the relevant ship cards, these show attack defense and damage charts. Damage is recorded on separate sheets. Playing the game is in turn sequence with faster ships moving first, in alternate player order and slowest ships moving last. Victory conditions set by the scenario may be different for each side with points being scored for destroying or damaging opposition ships. Overall the game is similar to Star Trek (simplified) or Battlecars in space. Play is brisk and not overcomplicated even with large numbers of ships but mostly so big that it is never fiddly.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 16.
• Rules load. At 1.3/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.