| | | | | |

The Construction Game (1993) Board Game

ByMichail

The Construction Game is a board game released in 1993 by the Weekend Farmer Company. It is designed to be both educational and entertaining, focusing on the industry and manufacturing sectors. Players take on the role of construction contractors bidding on projects and managing resources to complete them successfully.

Game Components of The Construction Game

  • 1 4-panel game board
  • 4 Property deeds: Stinky’s Garbage and Landfill ($100,000), Lost Miner Sand & Gravel Pit ($200,000), Westwood Asphalt & Paving ($400,000), Big Phil’s Concrete Plant ($500,000)
  • 2 Construction rate charts
  • 150 Vinyl equipment stamps: 30 Yellow backhoe stamps, 30 Green dozer stamps, 30 Orange excavator stamps, 30 Blue grader stamps, 24 Purple scraper stamps, 06 Purple truck stamps
  • 5 Stamp storage boards
  • 48 Contractors contingency cards
  • Set of play money: 37 $1,000s, 39 $5,000s, 40 $10,000s, 40 $50,000s, 37 $100,000s
  • 60 Promissory notes: 30 $10,000s, 20 $50,000s, 10 $100,000s
  • 6 Plastic contractor markers: Red, Blue, Green, White, Purple, Yellow
  • 2 Standard 6-sided dice
  • Rules.

    How To Setup The Construction Game

    To set up the game, players need to lay out the 4-panel game board, distribute the property deeds, and give each player a set of play money and a contractor marker. The vinyl equipment stamps and promissory notes are placed within reach of all players. Each player chooses a starting location on the board, and the game begins with the roll of the dice to determine who goes first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The goal is to become the biggest contractor in the valley by achieving an audited net worth of $1,500,000.
  • Gameplay Mechanics:**
    – Bid on construction jobs.
    – Buy and use various pieces of equipment like dozers, backhoes, excavators, and scrapers.
    – Manage finances using play money and promissory notes.
    – Roll dice to determine movement and outcomes.
    – Use contingency cards to handle unexpected events.
    – Option to play for a pre-set time or until the weather clears in a ‘stormed-in’ version.

    Player Experience

    The Construction Game offers a dynamic and engaging experience, combining strategic bidding, financial management, and luck. Players must balance their spending on equipment and jobs while managing their cash flow and dealing with unexpected events. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players, making it a great option for families or groups of friends.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** Combines bidding, equipment management, and financial strategy.
  • Educational Value:** Teaches financial management and strategic thinking.
  • Replayability:** Multiple play options, including timed games or ‘stormed-in’ versions.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 10 to adult.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** Can be overwhelming for younger players due to the variety of components and rules.
  • Luck Factor:** Dice rolls can significantly affect gameplay, sometimes leading to frustration.
  • Length:** Games can be long, especially in the ‘stormed-in’ version.

    Personal Thoughts on The Construction Game

    The Construction Game is ideal for those who enjoy strategic board games with a mix of luck and financial management. It is particularly suited for families, business enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a game that combines fun with educational value. While it may have a steep learning curve, the game offers a rich and rewarding experience for players willing to invest the time to master its mechanics.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • 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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *