Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Star Trek: Frontiers is a serious gamer's game wearing a Trek uniform. It's a reskin of Mage Knight (a notoriously complex cult classic), which means it offers deep, satisfying strategic gameplay for those willing to invest the time.

The good: It actually feels like commanding a starship. You're making tough resource decisions, building your crew, exploring unknown space, and solving tactical puzzles. The solo mode is legitimately excellent—this is one of those rare games where playing alone is just as engaging as playing with others.

The reality check: This is not a casual family game. The rulebook is dense, the learning curve is steep, and your first playthrough will involve a lot of rulebook flipping and head-scratching. Some players love that challenge; others will bounce off it hard.

For Trek-loving families with a dedicated gamer (teen or adult) who enjoys complex strategy, this delivers. For everyone else, there are lighter Trek games that'll scratch the itch without requiring a Starfleet Academy degree.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ due to genuine complexity, not content concerns. Dedicated young strategists (11-12) who've tackled games like Catan or Ticket to Ride and want something meatier could handle it with patient teaching. Adults who love optimization puzzles will get the most out of it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Star Trek's universe provides a positive framework of exploration, diplomacy, and cooperation. The game includes cooperative modes and diplomatic actions alongside competitive elements. At a 4.34 complexity weight, it demands patience and strategic thinking rather than chaotic gameplay. The theme encourages problem-solving and working through challenges methodically.

Imaginative

85

Deck-building mechanics combined with modular hex-grid exploration create emergent narratives each session. Players command starships, recruit crew, develop technologies, and explore unknown space—all core Star Trek themes that spark creativity. Variable goals mean no two games are alike. The strategic puzzle-solving and captain personalities offer rich imaginative engagement within the Trek universe.

Safe

92

Board games are inherently safe from digital manipulation concerns. Star Trek's themes are non-violent exploration and diplomacy. No inappropriate artwork or mature content. The cooperative/solo modes minimize negative social dynamics. At this complexity level, players are engaged in strategic thinking rather than confrontational gameplay. The 14+ rating reflects complexity, not content concerns.

Enriching

82

A 4.34 weight game demands serious strategic thinking, resource management, and long-term planning. Players develop tactical skills, learn to optimize actions, and adapt to changing scenarios. The Star Trek theme naturally incorporates exploration, diplomacy, and ethical decision-making. Strong solo mode (2016 Golden Geek nominee) means deep engagement. However, the 60-240 minute playtime and steep learning curve may frustrate some players before enrichment kicks in.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely strategic gameplay that demands planning and adaptation—this isn't Monopoly in space
Strong solo mode makes it perfect for focused problem-solving sessions without needing a full crew
Variable goals and modular setup mean high replayability; each session tells a different Trek story
Deck-building and exploration mechanics create satisfying 'engine-building' moments as your ship and crew improve
Star Trek theme is baked into mechanics: diplomacy, exploration, and technological advancement matter

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What to Watch For

This is a HEAVY game (4.34/5 complexity)—expect a solid hour just learning the rules and probably losing your first game badly
Playtime can stretch to 4 hours with new players; not a quick family game night option
The 14+ rating is about complexity, not content—younger strategic thinkers can handle it if they're patient
Some players find it 'soulless' compared to lighter Trek games; this is optimization over storytelling

Conversation Starters

"Which captain did you choose and why? What made their special ability useful (or not)?"
"What was your biggest strategic mistake? When did you realize you'd painted yourself into a corner?"
"If you were actually commanding a starship, would you focus on exploration, diplomacy, or military strength?"
"How did the game compare to what you know about Star Trek from the shows? Did it feel like Trek?"

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