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Startups (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Startups is a card game designed by Jun Sasaki and published by 4 Kavky in in 2017. It is an economic game that revolves around players investing in various startups and trying to increase the value of their investments. The game is best played with 4 players and has a runtime of around 20 minutes. It is suitable for players aged 10 and above and features mechanics such as area majority/influence, hot potato, set collection, and score-and-reset.

Game Components of Startups

  • Deck of cards representing shares in six different companies
  • Cardboard coins (money)
  • Anti-monopoly tokens
  • Player boards or play areas

    How To Setup Startups

    To set up Startups, begin by shuffling the deck of cards and dealing three cards to each player. Remove five cards from the deck without revealing them. Each player starts with 10 coins, which are kept on the “1” side. Place the Anti-Monopoly chips and any other variant tokens within reach. The remaining cards are placed in the center as the draw deck and market area.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Strategic Investment:** Players aim to collect the most shares in each company while ensuring other players also have shares to maximize payouts.
  • Hidden Information:** Each player holds three secret cards, adding an element of surprise and speculation.
  • Market Prediction:** Players must anticipate their rivals’ moves and invest wisely based on the market.
  • Player Interaction:** Direct competition for company shares encourages dynamic interaction and strategic planning.
  • Anti-Monopoly Rule:** Players with the most shares of a company receive an Anti-Monopoly token, preventing them from taking more shares of that company from the market but allowing them to play cards from their hand.
  • Payout Mechanism:** The player with the most shares of a company is paid by other players who hold shares in that company, with each coin flipped over to its “3” side, increasing its value.

    Player Experience

    In Startups, players engage in a fast-paced and strategic game where they need to balance their investments carefully. The game requires a mix of luck, observation, and strategic planning to outmaneuver opponents. With its simple rules but deep strategic options, Startups is accessible to new players while challenging for seasoned gamers. The game’s dynamic nature ensures each session is unique, and the interaction between players adds a fun and competitive element.

    Pros

  • Scalable Player Count:** Supports 3 to 7 players, making it versatile for different group sizes.
  • Simple Rules, Deep Strategy:** Easy to learn but challenging to master.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Each game is unique due to the combination of player choices and luck.
  • Highly Portable:** Compact design, typical of Oink Games.
  • Engaging Theme:** Playful and colorful startup company themes.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor:** The game can feel somewhat lucky, especially if certain cards are drawn consecutively or are removed from the deck.
  • Limited Control:** Players may find themselves unable to influence certain outcomes due to the draw of cards.
  • Chaos at Higher Player Counts:** Some players find the game more chaotic with more players, potentially reducing strategic depth.

    Personal Thoughts on Startups

    Startups is ideal for those who enjoy quick, strategic card games with a dash of luck and social interaction. It is perfect for a group of 3 to 7 players looking for a game that can be played in about 20 minutes. While it may not be the best fit for two-player games, it shines with larger groups. If you appreciate games like Love Letter or other micro-box games from Oink, you will likely enjoy Startups for its clever mechanics and engaging gameplay.

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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