King Oil (1974) – Board Game Guys

King Oil

“King Oil” is a board game designed by Scott Patton and published by Milton Bradley Company in 1974. The game has since become long out-of-print. In the game, players drill for oil on a three-dimensional board, acquire property, and compete to become the richest player.

Why is King Oil Popular?

The game is popular and significant because it combines elements of strategy, luck, and ruthlessness, challenging players to acquire land, drill for oil, expand production, and make acquisitions to financially decimate their opponents. The game’s unique playing surface, which features 18 properties ranging in price from $8000 to $12,000, adds to its appeal.

Game Components of King Oil

Plastic molded game board with 3 movable black discs underneath

Oil rig

Boxes of parts for each player, including derricks, well caps, pipelines, and sheds in white, blue, yellow, or red

Wildcat cards

Paper play money in denominations of $500, $1000, $5000, and $10,000

Instruction booklet

How To Setup King Oil

To set up King Oil, players first adjust the three black discs embedded in the base of the game board, which can be arranged in 1,728 different configurations. Each player starts with $80,000 and chooses which plot of land to buy based on the purchase prices listed on the board. The player who purchases the most expensive piece of land goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Property Purchase: Players buy land to drill for oil.

Drilling: Using the oil rig, players determine if they strike oil based on the position of the black discs underneath the board.

Wildcat Cards: Players draw cards that dictate financial transactions, drilling permissions, and property purchases.

Pipelines: Players can install pipelines to collect royalties from other players’ properties.

Bankruptcy: Players manage their finances to avoid bankruptcy, with the last player standing declared the winner.

Game Objective

The objective is to become the last player standing by bankrupting all other players through strategic land purchases, oil drilling, and pipeline installations.

Player Experience

Playing King Oil can be a mix of fun and frustration, as the game is heavily driven by luck due to the randomizing discs and the wildcat cards. Players need to balance their spending on land, drilling, and pipelines while managing their cash flow carefully. The game’s nostalgic value is high for those who played it in the 1970s, but its strategic depth is limited compared to modern board games.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The adjustable discs and oil rig mechanism add a unique twist to the game.

High Replayability: With 1,728 possible setups, each game is different.

Educational Value: Teaches basic financial management and risk-taking.

Nostalgic Appeal: A fun trip back to the 1970s for those who played it as kids.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The outcome is heavily influenced by luck rather than strategy.

Limited Strategic Depth: Compared to modern games, King Oil lacks complex strategic elements.

High Costs: Players can easily run out of money, leading to quick bankruptcy.

Personal Thoughts on King Oil

King Oil is best suited for those who enjoy light, family-friendly games with a nostalgic appeal. It’s not ideal for serious gamers seeking complex strategies, but it can be a fun and entertaining addition to a game collection for its uniqueness and historical value. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed casually, King Oil might be a good fit, especially if you’re fond of games from the 1970s.

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