Copper Country (2015) Board Game

Copper Country is a board game released in 2015 that allows players to step into the shoes of copper barons in the late 19th century. Designed by Chris Park and illustrated by CMX Games, this game falls under the economic and industry/manufacturing category.  Players take on the roles of mining company leaders, competing for resources and expanding their empires in a fictional country inspired by the historical Copper Country region of Michigan.

Game Components of Copper Country

• Game Board:
  • A double-sided board that represents different mining areas and the overall landscape of Copper Country.
• Player Boards:
  • Four individual player boards that help manage resources and track each player’s progress.
• Wooden Game Pieces:
  • A total of 89 custom wood game pieces, which include:
    • 20 Miners: Represent the workforce employed at various mine sites.
    • 2 Company Houses: Used to increase miners’ loyalty and safety.
    • 16 Shaft Houses: Structures that enhance copper production.
    • 8 Hoist Houses: Additional buildings that contribute to mining operations.
• Tokens:
  • 24 Punchboard Tokens: These tokens represent various resources and in-game effects.
• Rulebook:
  • A comprehensive guide that outlines the rules and mechanics of the game, ensuring players understand how to engage with the gameplay effectively.

How To Setup Copper Country

1. Game Board Placement:
   • Place the double-sided game board in the center of the play area, ensuring all players can reach it.
2. Player Boards:
   • Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding player board. Place it in front of them to track resources and actions.
3. Resource Tokens:
   • Separate the resource tokens (copper, poor rock, etc.) and place them in a common area accessible to all players.
4. Wooden Game Pieces:
   • Distribute the wooden game pieces as follows:
     • Each player takes their 20 miners, 2 company houses, 16 shaft houses, and 8 hoist houses.
5. Production Deck:
   • Shuffle the production deck and place it face down next to the game board.
6. Initial Resources:
   • Each player starts with a predetermined number of capital cards (as specified in the rulebook) and places them in their play area.
7. Starting Player:
   • Determine the starting player randomly or by consensus.
8. Game Trackers:
   • Set up any necessary trackers on the board to monitor progress throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

• Player Roles: Each player assumes the role of a unique mining company, competing to produce the most copper.
• Shifts and Production:
  • Players hire miners to work at various mine sites, with productivity measured in shifts.
  • At the beginning of each shift, a player reveals a card from the production deck, which may present opportunities or challenges.
• Resource Management:
  • Players manage capital cards and resources to maximize their copper production.
  • By investing in building company houses, shaft houses, and hoist houses, players can enhance their mining capabilities and increase miners’ loyalty and safety.
• Poor Rock Mechanic:
  • When copper is produced, poor rock (a byproduct) is removed from the industry track and placed on mine sites. This reduces available shifts for all players nearby, creating competition for resources.
• Historical Events:
  • As players remove poor rock from the industry track, local businesses may open, and historical events can occur, advancing the game into new eras of production.

Game Objective

The primary objective of Copper Country is to produce the most copper by the end of the game. The game concludes when the last poor rock is dumped onto a mine site, signaling that Copper Country’s mineral wealth has been depleted. The player with the highest total copper production at that point is declared the winner. This blend of resource management, strategic planning, and competitive gameplay creates an engaging experience reflective of the historical context of mining in Copper Country

Player Experience

Pros:

• Engaging economic gameplay
• Strategic depth with multiple paths to victory
• Well-balanced mechanics

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for new players
• Player interaction may feel limited at times
• Components could be of better quality

Personal Thoughts on Copper Country

Copper Country offers a challenging and immersive experience for players interested in economic and industry-themed games. While it may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its complexity, enthusiasts of the genre will find plenty to enjoy. The game’s build quality could be improved, and the learning curve may deter some players. However, for those willing to invest the time, Copper Country offers a rewarding and engaging gameplay experience. Its pricing and availability in both new and used markets make it accessible to a wide range of players.

For those looking for alternatives or similar games, titles like Brass: Birmingham or Terraforming Mars may provide a similar experience. Ultimately, whether Copper Country is worth your time depends on your interest in economic strategy games and willingness to tackle its learning curve. It is recommended for players seeking a challenging and immersive gaming experience in the economic genre, while those looking for a more casual game may want to skip it.

Game Components of Copper Country