Thanks for the review! This has been in my radar for a while now. I just picked up a copy of Mobile Markets (A Smartphone Inc. Game) on clearance, and that's supposed to be better at 2-3P, so we'll see how that goes.
Great review, well explained! I've only played it at 5 players. I haven't noticed the balance issues for the techs. Games within my play group are fairly tight and we've seen various strategies pay off. Yes, the inserts are annoying. Personally, I wouldn't want an unfair catch-up mechanic for this game. Every round and decision matters and that adds to the tension in the game. The game offers opportunities for swings in points at the end of the game when the map is crowded. Through bluffing, saturating others' markets, creating new markets and mathematical calculations, there are opportunities to make more points than other players on any given turn. Regardless, the game flows so fast that it shouldn't be long before the end of the game. And usually someone would only be truly out of contention after phase 4 out of 5. All in all, I love this game. My #5 all time favorite. Lots of tension, strategic planning and cutthroat plays all while having a really streamlined set of rules and gameplay. 😊
I played this once and I was the only one who researched 4G (extend off the side) and had a blast. The turn order also makes a difference because I may have had that great power, I had … sub-par extensions. I would love to play again and hope it shows up at game night so I don’t have to buy it.
Seems like a neat game. One issue is that I think I'd prefer both Food Chain Magnate and Hegemony which share aspects of this with more depth and interaction....but my wife won't play those games again so this or Mobile Markets might have a place for me.
I'm not too fond of the trays either, but they are much easier to deal with if they are stored on top of the game board. I also store the sixth tray with tiles upside down.
Thanks for the review! This has been in my radar for a while now. I just picked up a copy of Mobile Markets (A Smartphone Inc. Game) on clearance, and that's supposed to be better at 2-3P, so we'll see how that goes.
Great review, well explained!
I've only played it at 5 players. I haven't noticed the balance issues for the techs. Games within my play group are fairly tight and we've seen various strategies pay off. Yes, the inserts are annoying.
Personally, I wouldn't want an unfair catch-up mechanic for this game. Every round and decision matters and that adds to the tension in the game. The game offers opportunities for swings in points at the end of the game when the map is crowded. Through bluffing, saturating others' markets, creating new markets and mathematical calculations, there are opportunities to make more points than other players on any given turn. Regardless, the game flows so fast that it shouldn't be long before the end of the game. And usually someone would only be truly out of contention after phase 4 out of 5.
All in all, I love this game. My #5 all time favorite. Lots of tension, strategic planning and cutthroat plays all while having a really streamlined set of rules and gameplay. 😊
I played this once and I was the only one who researched 4G (extend off the side) and had a blast. The turn order also makes a difference because I may have had that great power, I had … sub-par extensions. I would love to play again and hope it shows up at game night so I don’t have to buy it.
been hung-up on this for a while.
Seems like a neat game. One issue is that I think I'd prefer both Food Chain Magnate and Hegemony which share aspects of this with more depth and interaction....but my wife won't play those games again so this or Mobile Markets might have a place for me.
I'm not too fond of the trays either, but they are much easier to deal with if they are stored on top of the game board. I also store the sixth tray with tiles upside down.
Great tips I'll have to try that