Square on Sale (2005) Board Game

Square on Sale is an abstract strategy and city-building board game that was released in in 2005. It was designed by Taiju Sawada and published by B2FGames LLC. The game is designed for 3-4 players, with a recommended age of 10 years and older. The gameplay revolves around auction and bidding mechanics, where players compete to build the most successful city.

Game Components of Square on Sale

Game board featuring a Manhattan map

Player tokens and bidding chips

Property cards

Auction mechanisms

Rulebook

How To Setup Square on Sale

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting point. The property cards are shuffled and placed within their respective areas on the board. Players receive a set amount of bidding chips. The game is ready to start once all components are distributed and the board is set up according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Auction Mechanism: Players bid on properties using their chips.

Strategic Placement: Players place their tokens on the board to control properties and maximize points.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by owning and strategically placing properties on the Manhattan map.

Player Experience

Square on Sale offers a dynamic and interactive experience, blending auction tactics with strategic placement. Players must balance their bidding strategies with the need to place their tokens effectively on the board. This game encourages a mix of competitive bidding and thoughtful planning, making it engaging for players who enjoy both economic and spatial reasoning.

Pros

Engaging Auction Mechanics: Adds a layer of strategy and excitement.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully.

Interactive: Encourages player interaction through bidding and placement.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may need time to understand the auction and placement rules.

Component Management: Managing bidding chips and property cards can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on Square on Sale

Square on Sale is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy games with a touch of economic mechanics. It is suitable for those who like games that require both short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning. This game is a great fit for gamers looking for something beyond the typical roll-and-move mechanic, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward rules.

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