Power Grid
$44.99
Power Grid at a Glance
| Game Type Economic, Auction/Bidding, Catch the Leader, Network and Route Building | Play Time 120 mins | Skill/Complexity (3.5 - 5) Medium |
| Age 12+ | Publisher(s) Rio Grande Games | Published 2004 |
| Categories Strategy | Players 3 - 6 (4 - 5 is Ideal) | Rules Manual Official Rules PDF |
| Our Rating 9/10 | Cost $44.99 |
About – Description
The board game Power Grid is a strategy game that’s suitable for players over the age of 13.
It’s a game that is based on the German game, Funkenschlag which was created by Friedemann Friese and first released in 2004.
Power Grid can be played in around two hours and is suitable for up to six players.
Who’s it best suited for?
This is a game that is purely based on strategy and so, it’s suited to those who like to sit down and focus on a game for a period of time with some seriousness of thought going down.
As it is suitable for children over the age of 12, it does show that it does require a certain element of ability to play it. For the younger players, it can prove to be educational as they get the chance to learn about the economy and as well call on their numeracy skills.
Skill – Complexity
This is a fairly complex game and is rated as being above average and this is down the strategy aspect of the game.
You will be expected to use skills that relate to auction as well as resource management in order to play the game in the best possible way. As this is a game based around the economy, it can prove to be quite intricate at times but that adds to the thrill of it.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
The set up of the game takes around 15 minutes and in the box is a double-sided board, power plant cards, resources and cash.
The game is made up of five phases known as:
1. Determining player order
2. Auction power plants
3. Buying resources
4. Building
5. Bureaucracy
The first phase of the game involves determining the player order. This is determined by the number of cities they own and so, the player who controls the most cities is given a handicap which keeps the game even.
The auction phase sees players go up against each other to buy power plants that can be used to supply the power. However, as players buy plants, new plants become available and that provides players with the chance to purchase more advanced equipment.
Along the way, players are required to take ownership of raw materials as part of the buying resources phase. They can purchase resources such as uranium or coal in order to power the plants.
The building phase requires players to purchase access to the cities in order to grow their network. Here they have to pay fees in order to access cities and to bridge cities.
Players also have the challenge of upgrading plants in order to improve efficiency while also being able to keep hold of their riches in order to grow their networks in order to obtain the cheapest routes possible.
The winner of the game is determined by the player who can supply the most cities with electricity in their area.
This how to play video is very useful…….
Other Versions, Editions or Expansions Available?
The game comes in a number of editions that are aimed at different markets such as a French edition and the Czech Republic edition as well as the 10th-anniversary edition.
There have been many expansions released such as Russian/Japan, Power Plant Deck 2 and many other countries. There are also promo expansions available and these include flex generator, theme park, industrial espionage and taxes.
Likes & Dislikes
- Great economic game that runs smoothly throughout and really engages players with the resource management aspect of play.
- Players love the depth and strategy of the game along with the fact that teenage children can benefit from playing it.
- Despite being a fairly complex game casual gamers can follow the game and engage very well.
- Player interaction and replayability is very good.
- Some players find that the game is almost too difficult to play and that they do not follow any real journey throughout the game.
- Other players find the game to be slightly boring and time-consuming.
Despite this, players also love the depth and strategy of the game along with the fact that teenage children can benefit from playing it.
Final Thoughts
Power grid appears to be an enjoyable and interesting game that keeps players involved and active throughout. The simple phased set up makes it feel as though it has a real structure and as it has an educational aspect to it, children can also learn from the game.
Could be a bit too strong and complex for new gamers, so be careful not to put newbies to board games off with Power Grid.
