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Penny Press (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Penny Press is a board game released in 2015, designed by Mackenzie Schubert and published by Asmadi Games. It is a game that focuses on the newspaper industry during the 1800s in New York City. Players take on the roles of newspaper magnates, competing to have the most influential newspaper in the city.

Game Components of Penny Press

  • Grid player boards with negative numbers
  • Worker tokens
  • Auction cards
  • Area control markers
  • Various other tokens and cards necessary for gameplay

    How To Setup Penny Press

    To set up Penny Press, each player receives a grid player board. The game board, which represents the city, is placed in the center. Players then receive their starting worker tokens and other necessary components. The auction cards and area control markers are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The setup ensures each player is equipped to compete in the newspaper industry of the yellow journalism era.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Area Control / Area Influence:** Players vie for control over different areas of the city.
  • Auction/Bidding:** Players bid on various opportunities to expand their newspaper’s influence.
  • Worker Placement:** Players place their worker tokens to manage their newspaper operations.

    Objective:

    The objective is to become the most prominent newspaper baron by accumulating the most points through effective area control, strategic bidding, and efficient worker placement.

    Player Experience

    In Penny Press, players take on the roles of newspaper barons in the era of yellow journalism. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players and lasts approximately 34 minutes. Players must balance their resources, bid strategically, and manage their workers to outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires a mix of short-term and long-term planning, making it engaging and challenging.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** The combination of area control, auction, and worker placement keeps the game dynamic and interesting.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires players to think strategically about resource management and area control.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Games are relatively short, making it accessible for players with varying levels of commitment.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** With a complexity level of 3, it may not be suitable for all new players.
  • Luck Factor:** Auctions can introduce an element of luck, which might not appeal to all players.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for 2-5 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

    Personal Thoughts on Penny Press

    Penny Press is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with multiple mechanics. It is particularly suited for those interested in area control and worker placement, and who appreciate the thematic depth of the yellow journalism era. The game’s balance of complexity and playtime makes it a great addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy mid-weight strategy games.

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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

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