Automania (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Automania is a board game released in 2015 that puts players in the shoes of car manufacturers in the early 20th century. Designed by Gjermund Bohne, the game allows players to experience the competitive nature of the automotive industry as they strive to build the most successful car factory.

Game Components of Automania

Car factory boards for each player

City car tokens

Family car tokens

Staff recruitment cards

Car production and sales components

Various tokens and markers for tracking progress and resources.

How To Setup Automania

To set up the game, each player takes a car factory board and places it in front of them. Each player receives 3 city car tokens, 2 family car tokens, and 2 other tokens as starting resources. The staff recruitment cards and other game components are prepared according to the game’s rules. Players then begin customizing their factory and preparing for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players use tokens to place workers in different areas of their factory to perform various tasks such as recruiting staff, producing cars, and selling vehicles.

Resource Management: Managing resources efficiently to produce the most popular cars.

Customization: Customizing the factory to optimize car production and sales.

Objective: The goal is to produce and sell the most popular cars, thereby earning the most points.

Player Experience

In Automania, players immerse themselves in the world of car manufacturing, where strategic decisions are crucial. The game requires a balance between resource management, staff recruitment, and market demand. Players must adapt quickly to changing market conditions and optimize their factory operations to stay ahead.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines worker placement and resource management in a unique and engaging way.

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance between simplicity and complexity, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

Thematic Integration: The car manufacturing theme is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Replayability: High replay value due to the variable setup and player choices.

Cons

Learning Curve: While the game is streamlined, it may still take some time for new players to understand all the mechanics.

Complexity: Some players might find the interplay between different components and market demands somewhat complex.

Availability: The game may be out of stock or hard to find in some regions.

Personal Thoughts on Automania

Automania is an excellent choice for players who enjoy strategy and worker placement games. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate a blend of resource management and market adaptation. The game’s thematic depth and strategic complexity make it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it might not be the best fit for very casual gamers due to its learning curve and the need for strategic thinking.

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