A board game box titled "CRUDE The Oil Game" designed by James St. Laurent, suggesting a 13+ age range and 2-4 players. The cover features a silhouette of a man in a suit pointing to various images related to oil and finance. The box also displays the Stronghold Games logo.
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Crude: The Oil Game (1974)

ByMichail

Crude: The Oil Game

The Oil Game is a board game that emulates the international oil market. It was originally published by St. Laurent Games in 1974 and designed by James J. St. Laurent. The game was not successful initially, but it gained popularity after the 1973 oil crisis. In 2010, Stronghold Games approached James St. Laurent to produce an updated version of Crude: The Oil Game. St. Laurent worked with Stronghold for a year, but died in 2011, a year before the revised edition was published in 2012.

Why is Crude: The Oil Game Popular?

Crude: The Oil Game is significant because it is one of the earliest board games that emulated the international oil market. It gained popularity after the 1973 oil crisis, which made oil a more political and expensive commodity. The game is also significant because it allows players to experience the challenges and complexities of the oil industry, such as dealing with political events and changes in the economy.

Game Components of Crude: The Oil Game

  • 2 game boards: Economy and Operations
  • 8 News Cards
  • 7 Economy Cards
  • Money Tokens
  • 2 Production Dice (1 red, 1 black)
  • 1 Difference Die (green)
  • Approximately 300 plastic pieces (Drilling Rigs, Oil Wells, Oil Refineries, Gas Stations, Crude Oil Barrels, Gasoline Barrels)
  • Rulebook

    How To Setup Crude: The Oil Game

    To set up the game, players start by placing the two game boards (Economy and Operations) on the table. Each player selects a starting position and receives initial funding and basic equipment. The News Cards and Economy Cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The plastic pieces, including drilling rigs, oil wells, and other components, are organized and ready for use. The game is now prepared for the players to begin their journey to building multinational oil companies.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:
    – Drilling for oil
    – Refining crude oil into gasoline
    – Buying and selling oil and gasoline on domestic and foreign markets
    – Managing facilities (drilling rigs, oil wells, refineries, gas stations)
    – Responding to economic changes and world news events

  • Game Objective:
    – The first player to reach a corporate value of $750 million wins.

    Player Experience

    In **Crude: The Oil Game**, players take on the roles of oil company CEOs, aiming to expand their companies into multinational energy corporations. The game requires strategic planning, resource management, and adaptability to changing market conditions and news events. Games can be lengthy, often lasting around three hours, which may test players’ patience and strategic endurance.

    Pros

  • Rich Simulation: The game provides a detailed simulation of the global oil markets, including all levels of production and market transactions.
  • High Replayability: With the inclusion of News Cards and Economy Cards, each game offers unique challenges and opportunities.
  • Engaging Components: The game features almost 300 plastic pieces, making it visually appealing and immersive.
  • Strategic Depth: Players must balance short-term needs with long-term strategies to succeed.

    Cons

  • Long Gameplay: Games can be quite lengthy, often exceeding the advertised playtime.
  • Repetitive Mechanics: Some players find the gameplay mechanics to become stale as the game progresses.
  • Complex Arithmetic: The game involves significant arithmetic, which can be a challenge for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Crude: The Oil Game

    **Crude: The Oil Game** is ideal for fans of economic and strategy games who appreciate detailed simulations and complex gameplay. It is best suited for players who enjoy long, immersive games and are willing to invest time in strategic planning. While it may not be the best fit for those looking for quick, light-hearted games, it is a gem for those who relish in the intricacies of economic management and the oil industry.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl