Shiny Pigeon Games is an indie board game studio. They work independently, producing board games that are easy to learn and family-weight & designed to bring people together and spark moments of joy. Shiny Pigeon Games was founded with a clear vision: create approachable, fun tabletop experiences. Their games are usually charming, with original art and lighthearted themes. They already have many games out there, like Trash Dash & Disgraced House.

Shiny Pigeon Games present their printable division as the following: “Shiny Pigeon Printables is the print-and-play division of Shiny Pigeon Games where we craft engaging games that you can print at home, with no assembly required! These titles get the same high-quality development and illustration work you’d expect from our boxed games but are available instantly with a budget friendly digital download. You may recognize us from some of our titles under our previous moniker, No Box Games. We’ve successfully brought to life print and play games for years and look forward to continuing this process as Shiny Pigeon Printables!”

Today we are here to talk about their upcoming print and play on Kickstarter: Starfront Scouting Academy. Coming to Kickstarter this summer!

Description from the publisher: “The final exams have brought you and your fellow planetary scouting cadets to an uninhabited planet with a toxic atmosphere that you’ve been tasked with analyzing remotely. You’ll unlock new skills throughout the game as you build your proficiency with the available reconnaissance equipment - rovers, drones, hovercraft, and buggies. If you are having issues with the equipment, you can also utilize the state-of-the-art SCOUT canine companion droids in a pinch! Claim the most strategic sections of the map and score points for charting the alien terrain to become top of your class!”

Starfront Scouting Academy is a fun print-and-play designed by Chris Backe, illustrated by Parker Simpson, and published by Shiny Pigeon Games. In Starfront Scouting Academy, you will take on the role of a scouting cadet trying to explore an uninhabited planet. This game has high player interaction, as everybody plays on the same board, making it easy to block your opponents and difficult to create your desired pattern, as everyone is in your way.

To play Starfront Scouting Academy, you will need to print 1 planet map (4 different ones will be available with the Kickstarter) and 1 scouting exam sheet per player. 6 different scouting players are available, but the sheets are all the same. You will also need 1 copy of the equipment selection sheet. On your turn, you will follow 4 steps. First, use an unlocked terrain action (if you want); second, select a terrain and generate a number. Third, mark your scouting site(s) and the exploration map, and last, reset the equipment and record your progress on your personal exam sheet. Sounds pretty simple, and it is! One of the things that is so fun about this game is the simplicity of the rules and gameplay. On the exploration map you will encounter 4 different types of terrains (mountain, dune, river & forest). Each terrain will give access to different terrain action (that's quite powerful). While marking terrain on the exploration sheet, you will want to create specific patterns. The game will end when a set number of lines is completed, depending on the number of players. Players will tally their points for majority in each number category, terrains, patterns created, and end-of-mission scoring.

             What makes Starfront Scouting Academy stand out so much? First, the art is amazing, the colors fit the theme perfectly, each unique character is beautifully designed. Second, Starfront Scouting Academy is super easy to teach to new or younger player. Third, it’s one of those print and play without too many components, it’s perfect for budget friendly player. If you print the 4 maps, 6 players sheet and 1 equipment sheet only make you 11 sheet to print. If you know you will only play at lower player count, you don’t need to print all the player examen sheet.

             If this game is intriguing you, you should definitely go follow their Kickstarter campaign to get notify on launch (this summer).

BGG. (n.d.) Shiny Pigeon Games. Board Games Geek. Retrieved June 2025, from: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamepublisher/56035/shiny-pigeon-games

BGG. (n.d.) Starfront Scouting Academy. Board Games Geek. Retrieved June 2025, from: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/447685/starfront-scouting-academy

Kickstarter. (n.d.) Starfront Scouting Academy. Kickstarter. Retrieved June 2025, from: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/189622927/starfront-scouting-academy?ref=discovery&total_hits=4&category_id=34

Shiny Pigeon Games. (n.d.) Welcome. Shiny Pigeon Games. Retrieved June 2025, from: https://shinypigeongames.com/