Star Realms, Game of the Month – June 2021
Since the foundation of this website I have never played as many games as I had last month. I played a whopping 92 games, so several are jostling for the accolade. However, one game has really shone again this month and deserves the spotlight as it just keeps getting better and better with every play. So the Board Game Review game of the month for June 2021 is Star Realms.
© boardgamereview.co.uk
This affordable two player (but expandable) card game is just superb. Both players start with the same starting cards, offering each player a bit of damage and some money to go shopping with. The game sees you building your deck by buying from a shared marketplace. The aim is to build synergies within your deck so that when you draw your five cards each turn you can maximise the damage, or other options on your turn. Victory is awarded to the player who crushes their opponents and removes all authority (life) points from them.
© boardgamereview.co.uk
Star Realms is a terrific two player option and frankly I adore it. I like that it isn’t the money sink that something like Magic The Gathering or Pokémon could be. Also, unlike those two, ultimately it is equal for each player as the marketplace is communal. You can therefore get to know the deck, the synergies and explore the array of different tactics available. Now I am not particularly good at Star Realms, but I love playing it regardless.
© boardgamereview.co.uk
The 92 plays in June does not include some of the many games I have played on the phenomenal mobile app of Star Realms. This digital version has given me the opportunity to play against some of the awesome accounts I am lucky to know as part of the board game community on Instagram around the world. Normally I play board games to unplug and screen detox, but for Star Realms and my friends on Instagram I make an exception. It is that good a game!
Also a special mention to @HappyMeeples on Instagram – a great account who kindly taught me how to play Star Realms over video call and continues to beat me regularly on the app!
Reviewer’s Note
For clarity. We don’t get paid for our reviews. I purchased this game and the app with my pocket money. This has not affected our opinion in any way!
