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Oilfield (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Oilfield is a strategic board game released in 2016, designed by Nicolas Serrano and illustrated by ABBA Games. The game is set in the oil industry, where players compete to drill for oil, manage their resources, and negotiate deals to come out on top. With a mix of economic, industry/manufacturing, and negotiation mechanics, Oilfield offers a unique gameplay experience that challenges players to think strategically and outmaneuver their opponents.

Game Components of Oilfield

  • Cards:** 38 cards sized 44 x 68mm.
  • Player boards and tokens:** For tracking player progress and resources.
  • Money and oil tokens:** For managing in-game economy.
  • Map board:** Representing the oil fields in Texas.
  • Worker placement tokens:** For strategic placement.

    How To Setup Oilfield

    To set up Oilfield, players first place the map board in the center of the playing area. Each player chooses a player board and places their worker tokens on it. The 38 cards, which include various actions and events, are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Players receive an initial amount of money and oil tokens. The game also involves setting up the auction and bidding mechanics, which are integral to the gameplay.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Area Majority / Influence:** Players compete to control areas of the oil field.
  • Auction/Bidding:** Players bid for the right to exploit oil fields.
  • Simultaneous Action Selection:** Players choose actions simultaneously.
  • Worker Placement:** Players place their tokens to manage resources and actions.
  • Objective:** The goal is to accumulate wealth by exploiting oil fields efficiently and strategically.

    Player Experience

    In Oilfield, players take on the roles of American businessmen in the early 1930s, aiming to exploit the rich oil reservoirs in Texas. The game involves strategic decision-making, resource management, and negotiation. Players must balance their bids in auctions, manage their workers effectively, and make tactical decisions to maximize their oil production and wealth.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Offers complex gameplay with multiple mechanics.
  • Replayability:** High replay value due to variable setup and player interactions.
  • Theme Integration:** The game’s theme is well-integrated into the mechanics.
  • Engaging Gameplay:** Keeps players engaged through simultaneous action selection and auctions.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** Can be challenging for new players due to multiple mechanics.
  • Player Interaction:** Some players may find the negotiation and bidding aspects intense or confrontational.
  • Length:** The 60-minute playtime can feel long for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Oilfield

    Oilfield is ideal for fans of economic and strategic games who enjoy a mix of worker placement, auctions, and area control. It is particularly suited for experienced players who appreciate complex gameplay and strategic depth. However, new players may find the learning curve steep due to the multiple mechanics involved. Overall, Oilfield offers a rich and engaging experience for those who enjoy immersive economic 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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