Starships (1980)

This is really a tile-laying game using cards. An improved version of Up the Creek (a.k.a. Ogallala) transposed to a Science Fiction context.

In a "space dock" you build up starships. Cards represent prows and poops, and everything in between --missile launchers, laser turrets, shuttles...Special "prizes" appear as pairs of cards; should you be lucky enough to draw both halves and play them side by side, it is worth more. Each of these prizes is worth even more if played in the same starship as a specific accompanying card.

At any point, you have to choose between closing a starship (and scoring) or building it up some more. In addition, complete starships can attack the other player's starships...

There is little control in this game, as the players simply draw then place cards - but there's still some reasonable amount of strategy in the placements. The simplicity makes it accessible to children, whilst it remains enjoyable by adults as a light, quick game.