Game Talk: Game Design 1_Blue Team_GAME: Star Fluxx

Game Talk: Game Design 1_Blue Team

from Looney Labs

www.looneylabs.com

GAME: Star Fluxx

So what is Star Fluxx? Simply, it’s a game about change, yes, literally, a “game changer”; constantly changing and evolving as you play, even letting new players join in after the game has already begun. The game is changed by how the players play. 

Never the same with each playthrough, this is what makes it interesting. 

Amusingly, with the rules constantly changing, as well as your end goal(s), a carefully planned strategy can go awry with each card draw, when another player plays a card different one than you need. That is what makes this game fun: the constant change and unpredictability. You get to see the game evolve every time you play it. 

This game focuses on a strategic starship based theme; players will find out that this game has very many different methods of winning. The game is made for 2-5 players, and has a playtime that ranges from 5-30 minutes. The estimated amount of time to set up is only 2 minutes, due to the fact it’s only a card-based mechanic. 

However, there are many different cards to learn special effects about, this can be estimated as taking from 15-30 minutes to learn.

Basics of Play:

You have New Rule cards, which change the rules of the game, Goal cards, which give the players a set goal to achieve in the game. Depending on the current goal, you need a specific pair of Keepers, which you collect and need in order to win the game. 

There are also Action cards which let you complete a special action, but only once. 

There are two types of Action cards: Surprise, which can be used during anyone’s turn, and normal Action cards, which can only be used on your turn. And the last type, are the Creepers, which become attached to your keepers, and could prevent you from winning, although some goals require creepers to win.

The game begins with the each player being dealt three cards, and there is a basic rule card in play on the table. The determining factor of which player goes first is the player who takes the initiative for that turn; like, calling “shotgun” to go first. The order of the game is whichever way the players decide.
 

The game always progresses following the basic rules card, Draw 1 card per turn and play one card per turn. As the game progresses, new rule cards are drawn, and they go into effect immediately after they are played. This means that if the new rule states to play every card in your hand, everyone has to do this even if it is not their turn! 

Also new goal cards are drawn, which tell you which present combination of keepers you need in order to win the game. You basically do whatever the game tells you to do until somebody wins. 

“Mechanics”:

Star Fluxx’s mechanics have very similar qualities to the game Uno in many different ways. They are both card based. Meaning that the only form of interactive play is through the usage of cards. In addition, they both can change the rules of the game. Uno changes the game by focusing on color and numbers; whereas, Star Fluxx focuses on changing the rules and goal of the game. 

However, both methods are used in that respective player’s advantage.

The difference between the two games is only due to the complexity of Star Fluxx’s game theme. This version of the basic game of Fluxx is more focused on futuristic artwork, with having many different card effects containing vast amounts of detail. In contrast, Uno is more simplistic, only focusing on numbers or colors for visual aspect. 

Player opinions:

Kristopher: I would rate this game an 8 for replay value, it’s very engaging and brings together a great strategic based outcome. In addition, the playtime for this game could possibly be extremely short; therefore, players would gladly like to play again.

Sandra: What elements could improve the game?: A chance for play to level off for a time, to give those of us escaping constant change to absorb and adjust—a level card that makes you disregard the next play or two, perhaps. I don’t think there’s a card action within the deck for that, since we played almost enough to restart deck.

Also, maybe, playing a second or more time, after you’ve gotten how the rules can quirk you about would “feel” more comfortable.

It was fun, just you’re never playing the same game, ever. 

Which is really cool on some levels and really cool marketing-wise since there is Fluxx, Star Fluxx, Cthulhu Fluxx, and tons of other themes available.

Chris: I give this game an 8 out of 10 because of how replayable it is, and because of its constantly changing gameplay, and twists that keep it from getting stale or boring. I also like the combination of luck and strategy that you need to play the game successfully. 

What is the replay value of the game?

Replay can be high, since its rules can make the game new and fresh every time, and there may be a possibility to mix decks and really freak out goals, actions, etc. 

 

 

VCIM 1200: Game Design 1_Group Review / Game Talk by Team Blue [Kristopher, Chris, Sandra, Matthew] at www.Tri- C.edu Cuyahoga Community College - East