Astra

Draw lines between stars with a dry-erase marker and race your rivals to the most famous constellations.

Designers: Patrik Porkoláb, Eszter Krisztina Sas, Frigyes Schőberl
Published by: Mindclash Games
Editions by: Maldito Games, Skellig Games, Super Meeple, Quality Beast

You are a stargazer armed with a dry-erase marker, and the night sky is printed on cards. Each turn you either Observe or Rest. Observing means spending Stardust to mark stars on a Constellation card, but only along one straight, unbroken line, and you can use Telescope to stretch your reach. Complete a constellation and you take its card for Fame points. Once enough constellations are gone, end-game bonuses get tallied and the most famous astronomer wins. It plays like a puzzly race with a mean streak, because a constellation you have been quietly marking can be snapped up by someone else first. The rules stay lean, and the whole thing runs around an hour and a half.

Mark stars on cards along straight linesObserve or Rest every turnFame points decide who is remembered

Who it's for

You like a tactical puzzle with a light competitive bite, and the idea of drawing on your cards with a marker appeals to you.

Not for you if…

You want a lot of table talk or heavy planning depth. This is a focused duel of lines and timing, not a big strategic sprawl.

Vibe's take

Calm and puzzly, with a sharp edge. You plan your lines carefully, then watch someone else grab the constellation you were nearly done with.