by: Pierre Aaron de Vera
Astral War is an area control board game made by Synergy Games. It has very simple backstory: two races: humans and aliens, trying to compete against each other in getting an asteriod as their territory/base. Whoever transfers a higher amount of resource on an opposing team's main base will win the entire game. It is a simple game, but you have to hurt your head and think in order for you to outsmart your opponent. This is such a heavy mechanic for a rookie board game maker but they were able to pull it off.
Mechanics: Its mechanics are Area Control, a bit of bluffing and a hint of Worker Placement on the course of the game. Basically, Area Control is self-explanatory. You need to control areas on the map of the game. The more areas you control, the higher chances you have for winning the game. Worker Placement, because you really have to think well in order for you to strategically place your troops (minerals). I like the bluffing part because it is a surprise for you because you have to feel what your opponent wants to do. So you're gonna bluff in the counter-part too. I like these mechanics because I am in to games that make you think. But on the other side, kids below 13 might have a difficult time when they play this game.
Game Components: Its game components are simple but effective in a way. It has the proper usage of color. Bronze, Silver, Gold, Blue, Red, and Green. A very colorful game which makes it look attractive to the players. Although it isn't a perfect component, I understand it first-hand because it is just the second prototype. I know it'll get better as their development of the game progresses.
Theme: The theme is very attractive. Although it is not really realistic. I don't see how they can get, bronze, silver and gold in the asteroids that they take over. It has a nice feel though because the board is well-adapted to its "Space" theme. So as you play the game, you also get the feeling of the "Space" environment that you are in.
Overall: This a very interesting game to play and a job well done for rookie boardgame makers. 10/10 for the Mechanics, 10/10 for the Game Components, and an 8/10 for the Theme. It's a game that I would love to play over and over and strive to become better the more that I play it.
I highly recommend playing this game. Two thumbs up! I give this game 4 out of 5 STARS!!
For more details about the game, visit their website.
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