Oil: The Great Adventure (1960) Board Game

Oil: The Great Adventure is a board game that was released in 1960 by Alga. Designed by Tord Hasselquist and featuring artwork by Göte Göransson, this game falls under the categories of Economic, Industry/Manufacturing, and Nautical. With a playtime of 60-180 minutes, Oil: The Great Adventure is suitable for 2-6 players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Oil: The Great Adventure

Game board

Player tokens

Oil field and oil cargo cards

Drilling and prospecting tools

Refinery destination markers

Banker role option for a seventh player

Rulebook

How To Setup Oil: The Great Adventure

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting point. The oil field and oil cargo cards are shuffled and distributed according to the rules. The drilling and prospecting tools are made available to all players. The refinery destination markers are placed on their designated spaces on the board. If a seventh player is participating, they take on the role of the banker.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 2-6, plus a seventh as banker if necessary

Duration: 60-180 minutes

Age Range: 10+ years old

Objective: Players represent oil companies competing to find and exploit oil fields, drill test wells, and transport oil to refineries in Europe and Australia.

Mechanics: Prospecting, drilling, resource management, and transportation

Player Experience

Playing **Oil: The Great Adventure** involves a mix of strategy and luck. Players must prospect for oil fields, drill test wells, and manage their resources effectively to transport oil to refineries. The game is easy to learn but can be complex in execution, making it engaging for players who enjoy resource management and competitive gameplay.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s theme of oil exploration and management is unique and captivating.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance prospecting, drilling, and transportation, adding a layer of strategy.

Historical Significance: It predates the North Sea oil discoveries, offering a historical perspective on the oil industry.

Social Interaction: The game supports up to six players, fostering social interaction and competition.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: The game can take between 60 to 180 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Luck Factor: The game involves elements of luck, particularly in prospecting and drilling, which can lead to uneven outcomes.

Availability: The game is vintage and may be hard to find or purchase.

Personal Thoughts on Oil: The Great Adventure

**Oil: The Great Adventure** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic resource management games and are interested in the history of the oil industry. It is suitable for players who appreciate a mix of luck and strategy and are willing to invest time in a game. This game would be a great addition to any collection of vintage board games, offering a unique and engaging experience for fans of economic and competitive gameplay.

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