Star Trek: Frontiers

Far better theme matchup than Mage Knight.

I was so disappointed. I thought "Mage Knight + Star Trek"? Should be a win. Well, although it's interesting how the Mage Knight mechanics were re-imagined for the Star Trek theme, here is a list of my disappointments after playing through the "First Reconnaissance" mission: Components: where the Mage Knight art is bright and beautiful and elicits a sense of "magic," Frontiers art provides screen captures from the TNG and DS9 shows for its card "art" and all other components are dark and a bit muddy such that it's difficult to tell what's what. (Note: screen captures don't bother me in "Firefly: The Game" probably because I still have a craving for the show and want it to live a second life in the game) Where the cards (linen) and boards (thick and stay flat) in Mage Knight are of the highest quality, Frontiers' cards are thin and one board was warped and kept spinning every time we touched it. Game Play: yes, I can see how the mechanics map but there is some missing depth. All Warbirds seemed the same and pretty easy. I never had that sense of adventure as I do with Mage Knight - like I want to go into the tomb to see if I'm prepared to get that reward. Away missions never gave me that same feeling. I'm sure those who analyze games more than I do understand why. I just know that I was ready for the game to be over. We immediately pulled out Mage Knight, oohed and aahed anew over the art and the components and the day and night differences and the beautiful painted heroes and cities and gorgeous art work on the cards and then looked at Frontiers and agreed the game would not be staying in our collection.

Ultimate Guard Precise Fit Bordified

Best solo board game experience with a sci-fi theme next to Mage Knight. This game is superb and can give you a satisfying sense of achievement once you figure out how to play it properly. It's not a game for beginners but the reward is worth it in my opinion.

I'd love to own this game, but I know very few 'trekkies' that would enjoy it like it's meant to be enjoyed. Mechanically, it's a gem, but the theme would be more or less lost on those with whom I would likely play.