Profiteers (2018) Board Game

Profiteers is a board game that was released in 2018 and designed by Andrew Higgins. It is set during the American Civil War and focuses on economic aspects of the time period. Players take on the role of profiteers looking to make a profit off the war through secret unit deployment and stock holding mechanics.

Game Components of Profiteers

Game Board: Represents the war-torn US with key battle locations.

Factory Cards: For producing troops and munitions.

War Bonds: To be cashed in for maximum profit.

Unit Cards: For secret unit deployment.

Player Tokens: To track progress and fortune.

Rulebook: Written in English.

How To Setup Profiteers

To set up the game, first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of player tokens and places them on the starting positions on the board. Shuffle and deal the factory cards and unit cards according to the rules. Distribute war bonds and ensure each player has an equal starting amount. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and players understand their starting positions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics:

Secret Unit Deployment: Players secretly deploy units to influence battles.

Stock Holding: Manage war bonds for maximum profit.

Game Objective: The player who accumulates the largest fortune by the end of the game wins.

Game Category: Economic, American Civil War.

Designer: James Dickinson.

Complexity: Rated 2 out of 5.

Play Time: 31-45 minutes.

Number of Players: 3-5.

Player Experience

Playing Profiteers offers a unique blend of strategy and economic management. Players must balance producing and deploying units, influencing historic battles, and managing their war bonds to maximize profits. The game’s relatively short playtime and moderate complexity make it accessible to a wide range of players, while the secret deployment mechanics add a layer of intrigue and unpredictability.

Pros

Unique Theme: Combines economic strategy with historical context.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last between 31-45 minutes.

Moderate Complexity: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Social Interaction: Players must strategize and outmaneuver each other.

Cons

Limited Text: The game is without text, which may limit accessibility for some players.

Dependence on Luck: Secret deployment can introduce a significant element of luck.

Short Game Length: Some players may find the game too short for their liking.

Personal Thoughts on Profiteers

Profiteers is ideal for players who enjoy economic strategy and are intrigued by historical settings. It’s a great game for groups of 3-5 players looking for a game that combines strategic depth with a relatively short playtime. The game’s moderate complexity and unique mechanics make it a solid addition to any board game collection, especially for those interested in the American Civil War era or economic strategy games. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a game with a lot of text or those who prefer longer, more immersive gaming experiences.

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