Incorporated (2016) Board Game

Incorporated is a board game released in 2016, designed by Cem Akkartal and Sebastian Koziner. It falls under the categories of economic and political games, challenging players to strategically manage resources and make decisions to build their corporations.

Game Components of Incorporated

Board: High-quality board with a gloss finish, though it can be reflective.

Cubes and Meeples: Translucent plastic cubes and meeples.

Cards: Stock tiles, payoff cards, and various other cards; all of high quality but with a gloss finish.

Stock Tiles: Thick and well-designed.

How To Setup Incorporated

Setup involves several phases:

Initial Setup: Adjust global growth, interest rates, and the political track.

Stock Tile Distribution: Prepare the stock tiles for the various major markets.

Player Initialization: Each player starts with a set amount of money and possibly initial stock tiles.
The game begins with a setup phase where adjustments to global growth, interest rates, and the political track are made, followed by drawing payoff cards to determine which industries will be profitable.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction: Players bid on stock tiles in major markets; existing owners can sell their stock at the end of the auction.

Area Control: Players place asset cubes on the board to control industries in different regions.

Lobbying: Players can adjust interest rates, global growth, or gain additional income for research and development.

Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most money by controlling profitable industries and manipulating financial and political stability over four rounds.

Player Experience

Incorporated offers a complex and dynamic experience, simulating the pressures of international corporate competition. Players must navigate the intricacies of global markets, interest rates, and geopolitical landscapes. The game is best played with four players, as it enhances the competitive and strategic elements.

Pros

Engaging Auctions: Unique auction mechanism for buying and selling stock tiles.

Accessible Corporate Finance: Makes heavy corporate finance concepts accessible and engaging.

High-Quality Components: Excellent art and design of the game components.

Cons

Long Gameplay: The game can be too long and unevenly paced.

Reflective Finish: The gloss finish on the board and cards can be distracting.

Design Issues: Some mechanisms feel underdeveloped and need more playtesting.

Personal Thoughts on Incorporated

Incorporated is ideal for those who enjoy strategic and economic simulations, particularly those interested in corporate finance and global market dynamics. While it offers a unique and engaging theme, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick or straightforward games due to its complex mechanisms and potential for lengthy gameplay. Despite some design flaws, it remains a commendable effort from a first-time game designer and is worth considering for fans of complex board games.

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