Plutocracy (2022) Board Game

Plutocracy is a board game released in 2022, designed by Shaahin Mohammadi and featuring artwork by Doppeldenkspiele. It falls under the categories of economic, political, and science fiction games, with gameplay revolving around area majority/influence, hexagon grid, market, pick-up and deliver, and trading mechanisms. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 12 and up and a runtime of 60-90 minutes.

Game Components of Plutocracy

Game board featuring a colorful solar system

Player tokens and time tokens

Planet cards

Goods and commodities

Money and power tokens

Parliamentary seats and voting tokens

Optional starting condition cards for randomized prices and starting planets

How To Setup Plutocracy

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area, which depicts a rotating solar system. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting planet. The time track is set up, and each player receives an initial amount of money and goods. Optional starting conditions can be used to randomize prices and starting planets.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Track Mechanic: Players move their tokens on a time track, with the last player in line taking the next turn. Efficient time usage is crucial as it determines when a player can take their next turn.

Rotating Solar System: The game board features planets moving around the sun, requiring players to plan their space flights to maximize commercial opportunities.

Pick-up and Deliver: Players collect and deliver goods between different planets, each of which sells one good and demands another.

Bribery and Parliamentary Seats: Players can gain control of the Plutocratic Council by bribing and acquiring seats in the planetary parliaments.

Elections: Elections are held three times during the game, influenced by time tokens and player actions.

Goal-Based Bonuses: Players can earn additional votes by meeting specific goals and visiting Earth.

Player Experience

In **Plutocracy**, players embody interplanetary corporations vying for control of the Plutocratic Council on Pluto. The game requires meticulous planning of space flights, commodity trading, and strategic use of time. Players must balance short-term profits with long-term goals, such as acquiring parliamentary seats and influencing elections. The dynamic movement of planets adds a layer of complexity, making each turn a challenging but engaging decision.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers deep strategic gameplay with no element of luck.

Engaging Theme: The space-themed setting and rotating solar system make the game visually appealing and intriguing.

Dynamic Gameplay: The time track and planetary movements ensure each game is unique and requires careful planning.

Balanced Mechanics: The game balances economic management with political influence, offering multiple paths to victory.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate mechanics and strategic depth.

Time Commitment: Games typically last 60-90 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Dry Start: Some players might find the initial setup and rules explanation dry, though the game itself is engaging once started.

Personal Thoughts on Plutocracy

**Plutocracy** is ideal for fans of Euro games and those who enjoy strategic, luck-free gameplay. It is best suited for players who appreciate complex decision-making and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the game. For groups of 2-4 players looking for a challenging and thematic experience, **Plutocracy** is a great addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking a quick, light-hearted experience.

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