Federation Space

Federation Space was designed by Stephen Wilcox as a strategic companion to the more tactical Star Fleet Battles system.^[1]

The game components are:^[2]

• 20" x 24" hex grid map
• 432 back-printed die-cut cardboard counters
• fleet organization charts
• combat results table
• 16-page rulebook

The map covers the large extent of space and many of the space-faring races described in the Star Trek TV series. This included the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, Gorns, Tholians and Hydrans.^[2] The Kzinti, a race mentioned in the Ringworld novels of Larry Niven, is also featured.^[2]

This is a game of naval fleet action involving dozens (or more) ships. Nearly all ships move at the same speed (Warp Factor 6). With so many ships involved, combat relies on a simple two-step reduction system to determine damage. Each ship only has two statuses: normal (counter face up); and damaged (counter face-down). Taking any damage results in a ship receiving the "Damaged" status. Taking any subsequent damage destroys the ship. Battles continue until one side is either destroyed or withdraws.^[2]

Since this is a strategic-level game, some scenarios describe the capture of base stations, starbases or even planets.^[2]

There is also a campaign game for three or more players (each playing a different race) in which the players use diplomatic alliances and multiple navies to achieve their strategic goals.^[2]