Stars of Akarios Strategy Campaign Board Game, Science Fiction Board Games for Adults & Kids, Epic Legacy Adventure, Cooperative Games (Ages 13+) 1-4 Players

Product as described

*Stars of Akarios* is a solid pick for anyone into story-driven, co-op board games with a sci-fi edge. The game blends elements from *Gloomhaven* and *X-Wing*, offering quick and strategic space combat that’s fun without being too complex. You’ll spend a lot of time positioning your ship just right for the best advantage, and the planet exploration adds a nice change of pace, letting you dive into the story a bit more.The components are top-notch—detailed miniatures, vibrant artwork, and some really handy game trays for organizing all the pieces (though they don't quite fit sleeved cards). Each scenario runs about 30-40 minutes, which keeps things moving along nicely. Sure, there are a few minor hiccups, like some typos in the rulebook, but nothing that an online FAQ can’t fix. Overall, if you love co-op games, sci-fi themes, and a mix of action and exploration, *Stars of Akarios* is definitely worth checking out.

I tried twice to purchase this through Amazon and both times it was packed in a box too big for it with little to no packing material and both times it arrived with the game box seams split all the way up to the corners and the corners smashed from transport. I feel bad for the seller, cause it was a shipping problem. So super bad experience there.Ended up getting a used copy through a buy/sell group, and was pretty disappointed. It is ambitious, and takes big swings, and is nipping at the heels of great. A lot of the framework is copied from Gloomhaven, but only the superficial stuff, like character sheets and conditions and items, not the fun combat or varied character builds. The space combat (most of the game) is straightforward-cosplaying-as-nuanced and insufferably dull. The crux of it is positioning and dice rolls, but your movements are of limited variety and the enemies move on randomized AI decks so you never really feel too much control over what’s happening. Items and skills do little to genuinely affect the flow of battle.Planet exploration (much less of the game) I found quite a bit stronger, and was what I’d hoped 7th Continent was going to be. Exploration is interesting, skill checks are meaningful, dice rolls are tense and require push your luck consideration. If that was the whole game I would’ve been way more into it. Story I thought was pretty compelling and well executed. I was hooked there, but after the first act I just couldn’t bring myself to set up another space map and slog through it to find out what happens. Worth trying and appreciating the things it does well (most things actually), but when the core of the game is the worst part it’s hard to fully recommend.

Gameplay: Stars of Akarios is a blend of exploration and tactical combat. Players assume the roles of various factions, each with unique abilities and objectives. The game involves exploring the galaxy, completing missions, and engaging in battles, all while managing resources and building alliances. The mechanics are intuitive, making it accessible for newcomers, yet there’s enough strategic depth to satisfy seasoned gamers. The balance between exploration and conflict keeps the gameplay dynamic and engaging.Components: The production quality of "Stars of Akarios" is outstanding. The components are beautifully designed, showcasing an exciting galaxy filled with vibrant planets and intricate details. The miniatures are well-crafted and add a tactile element to the game. The cards and tokens are sturdy and visually appealing, enhancing the overall experience. However, there are a fair amount of typos in the text throughout the game.Narrative and Replayability: One of the standout aspects of "Stars of Akarios" is its narrative-driven gameplay. Very much like Gloomhaven, there is so much in this box! The missions and encounters are filled with rich lore, allowing players to become invested in their factions and the unfolding story. The modular setup and various scenarios ensure high replayability, as no two games will play out the same way.Social Interaction: The game encourages interaction among players, whether through alliances or direct conflict. Negotiating with other factions can lead to memorable moments and strategic twists. The social dynamics enhance the experience, making each session feel unique and engaging.Final Thoughts: Overall, "Stars of Akarios" is a solid pick for fans of strategy and sci-fi. Its blend of exploration, combat, and narrative depth creates a captivating experience that will keep players engaged for hours. There is almost too much stuff in this box and there are a few typos here and there.While it may require a bit of time to set up and play, the rewarding gameplay and immersive universe make it worth the effort. Whether you’re a veteran tabletop gamer or new to the genre, Stars of Akarios is sure to take you and your gaming group on a unique adventure through space.

I’m really really enjoying this one so far. I’m a big fan of the mechanics in both Gloomhaven and 7th Continent and this game does a great job putting both those in a game with a lighter and refreshing spin on both. Space combat is fast and intense and the focus on how your ship moves and is positioned also brings in mechanics from the X-Wing minis game so it feels more like dog fighting. The space and planet explorations are great as well and add some nice story elements with a slower pace from the lightning fast space combat. The game trays that come in the box are wonderful as well though they don’t really support sleeved cards but that’s ok for me. Upgrading your ship and pilots looks like it will be really satisfying (haven’t gotten very far in regards to that) and there are a variety of ways it looks like you can build them up. This doesn’t appear to be as long or as involved as Gloomhaven (Which I love and current am playing thru with my girlfriend) but I haven’t seen many if any other board games attempt to use the Gloomhaven structure in a Sci Fi theme so this was a surprise for me when I saw what it was. I love Sci Fi themes so if you want a slightly lighter Gloomhaven in space (Spacehaven?) with fun ground and space exploration to break up your dog fighting, this is a great option for you.