Double Star (board game)

Double Star is a two-player game about space warfare,[1] and operates on the belief that warfare between two star systems is possible but expensive and difficult.[2]

This game is based in a binary star system, where the two stars orbit each other, and each star has a different colony orbiting it. Each colony has both antipathy for the other colony and something the other colony needs, and so war begins. The board features both worlds as they orbit their respective stars, and both stars orbiting each other. These complex orbital movements must be taken into account when sending ships or trying to steer an asteroid into colliding with the opposing planet.[2]

Strategic planning is key to the game, and players must purchase ships, defense units, power plants, and then allocate limited resources for training or combat. Since it takes several turns to move ships from one system to the other, offensives must be carefully planned in advance.[2]

Several scenarios are offered, resulting in games that can last anywhere from a few hours to several gaming sessions.[2]

In the March 1980 issue of Ares Magazine, David Ritchie liked the game enough to award it 7 out of 9. "All in all, this is a honey that chooses to entertain by doing a few things and doing them well. Playable, rather than definitive, you might say. Moderately complex. May be played in an afternoon."[3]

In the March 1980 edition of Dragon (Issue 35), William Fawcett enjoyed the ability to choose tactical formations for space fleets, and liked the rules, which he found to be simple enough to digest in 30 minutes. "There appear to be no serious ambiguities or omissions, although your first few spaceship-to-spaceship combats may drag a little until you become familiar with the formation system." Fawcett recommended the game, saying, "Double Star is one of the most solid science-fiction games this reviewer has played. It holds together well and includes all of the major strategic considerations that can be expected in warfare of this type. It can take a considerable period of time to play... but involves enough combat and other decision-making situations to keep interest high."[2]

In the August 1980 edition of The Space Gamer (Issue 30), Robert G. F. Marrinan gave it a favourable review, saying, "This is one of the most fun games that I've played in a while. Not to mention that it is a good simulation, too. What more could I ask for?"[1]