Extrablatt (1991) Board Game

Extrablatt is a board game released in 1991 by Moskito Spiele. It is a territory building game that is designed for 3-4 players aged 14 and up. The game involves area majority/influence, set collection, simulation, and tile placement mechanics.

Game Components of Extrablatt

Game board

Reporter tokens

Story cards

Advertising cards

Newspaper layout tiles

Money tokens

Specialty cards for each newspaper

How To Setup Extrablatt

To set up Extrablatt, first, each player chooses a newspaper and its corresponding specialty. Players receive a set amount of money and a few reporter tokens. The story cards, advertising cards, and newspaper layout tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a blank newspaper layout.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-6 players

Playing Time: 60-120 minutes

Game Mechanics:
– Resource Management: Players manage money and reporter tokens.
– Area Control: Players place reporters to claim stories.
– Tile Placement: Players fit stories into their newspaper’s layout.
– Economic Engine: Players earn money from advertising and extra stories.

Objective: The goal is to be the first to publish a complete newspaper while maximizing points. Points are earned by publishing stories that match the newspaper’s specialty, securing advertising, and being the first to press.

Player Experience

In Extrablatt, players are immersed in a competitive environment where they must strategically allocate resources to claim the best stories, manage their newspaper’s layout, and outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires a balance of short-term and long-term strategies, as players need to decide when to spend money to bump other reporters and when to save for future opportunities.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game offers a deep strategic experience with multiple paths to victory.

High Replayability: The random distribution of story cards and advertising opportunities ensures each game is unique.

Thematic Immersion: The game’s theme is well-integrated, making the experience feel like running a real newspaper.

Social Interaction: Players interact frequently as they compete for stories and advertising space.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be time-consuming due to the various components and rules.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take up to 120 minutes, which may be deterrent for some players.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and strategies overwhelming at first.

Personal Thoughts on Extrablatt

Extrablatt is ideal for fans of complex strategy games and those who enjoy thematic immersion. It is particularly suited for groups of experienced gamers who can appreciate the depth and complexity of the game. While it may not be the best fit for casual or family game nights due to its length and complexity, it is a gem for those who enjoy a challenging and engaging gaming experience.

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