Star Trek: The Adventure Game

West End Games · Board game · 1985
— Ludopedia 7.0 BGG 1–2 · best 2 Solo 120 min Weight 2.2/5
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're a Star Trek fan who loves a retro vibe, this game is a treat. It shines by turning every planet into a mini narrative episode where your choices truly matter. It's a nostalgic experience focused on exploration, perfect for those who prefer story over overly complex mechanics. It might feel a bit dated to modern gamers, but the thematic charm carries it well.

Highlights
  • Immersive and thematic narrative exploration
  • Excellent for franchise fans
  • Solid solo play mode
  • Impactful choices on every planet
Keep in mind
  • Dated rules and components
  • Heavy text dependency
  • Pacing can feel slow
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to explore the final frontier! In Star Trek: The Adventure Game, you take command of a starship on a mission of exploration and diplomacy. The game pits the United Federation of Planets against the Klingon Empire in a race for galactic prestige and influence. Since the Organian Treaty forbids open, all-out war, the focus shifts to clever exploration: you travel across an interstellar map, discover new worlds, and decide how to interact with the civilizations you encounter. Will you use diplomacy to persuade them to join your cause, or will you resort to force to expand your reach?

The gameplay is driven by a narrative paragraph system. Upon reaching a planet, you choose an action and consult the adventure booklet to see the outcome, making every exploration a unique mini-story. But beware: space is treacherous! A wrong choice could lead to the loss of your starship or disastrous diplomatic consequences. The game is perfect for those who enjoy thematic immersion and a bit of 80s nostalgia. With classic components like a mounted map and colorful playing pieces, it offers straightforward gameplay packed with tactical decisions. Whether playing against a friend or in solo mode, the challenge lies in balancing territory expansion with the careful management of your resources and ships. It is a true relic for Star Trek fans looking for a classic exploration experience at the table.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 REC
2 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Map (Interplanetary or Interstellar scale) Creatures: Aliens / Extraterrestrials Players: Games with Solitaire Rules TV Shows: Star Trek (various)
Publisher West End Games
Designer Doug Kaufman, Greg Costikyan
Artist Boris Vallejo, James Holloway (I), Larry Catalano

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

878owners
216wishlist
80want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Does the game work well for a single player?
Yes! The game was designed with specific rules for solo play, allowing for a full exploration experience without needing an opponent.
What is the average playtime?
Games usually take about 120 minutes, which is enough time to explore the map and develop your strategy.
Is the game very complex?
No, with a BGG weight of 2.21, it is considered accessible, focusing more on narrative and choices rather than dense rules.
Do I need to know a lot about Star Trek to play?
It definitely helps with immersion, but the game clearly explains the context of the struggle between the Federation and the Klingons.
Is there a lot of reading involved?
Yes, as it relies on an adventure booklet with narrative paragraphs, reading is essential to the gameplay.
Is it a wargame?
While it has wargame elements, the main focus is on exploration and diplomacy, as the Organian Treaty limits direct conflict.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games