Big Boss (1994) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Big Boss is a classic board game that was released in in 1994. Designed by Wolfgang Kramer and illustrated by Franz Vohwinkel, this game falls under the Economic and Industry/Manufacturing category. With a runtime of 90 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Big Boss has been a favorite among board game enthusiasts for many years.

Game Components of Big Boss

Central board with a winding line of numbered spaces

Industry cards corresponding to spaces on the board

Building pieces (1-height and 2-height) for company expansion

Headquarters pieces to mark company ownership

Radio tower pieces (counts as three extra shares)

Level-up cards for vertical expansion

Money tokens

How To Setup Big Boss

To set up the game, each player starts with a hand of industry cards and $40 million. The board is placed in the center, and the industry cards are laid out face-up for players to purchase. Each player’s goal is to use these cards to found and expand companies on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Founding Companies: Players play industry cards to place adjacent buildings and a headquarters piece, marking the start of a new company.

Expanding Companies: Players can expand companies outward using industry cards or upward using level cards, increasing the company’s share price.

Mergers: When two companies connect, a merger occurs, and the higher-valued company takes over, paying out shares of the acquired company.

Share Purchases: Players can buy shares of existing companies and place radio towers to increase their share count.

End Game: The game ends when all building pieces are used. Players total their wealth from shares, radio towers, and remaining cards, with the wealthiest player winning.

Player Experience

Playing *Big Boss* is a dynamic and strategic experience. Players must balance founding new companies, expanding existing ones, and managing mergers to maximize their wealth. Unlike *Acquire*, *Big Boss* encourages a diverse portfolio, as players benefit financially from every company expansion, regardless of their share ownership. The game’s three-dimensional building mechanic and art-deco aesthetic add to its visual appeal and engaging gameplay.

Pros

Timeless Quality: Despite being released in 1994, *Big Boss* holds up well against modern board game standards.

Visual Appeal: The three-dimensional buildings and art-deco design make the game visually striking.

Dynamic Gameplay: Players earn money from every company expansion, encouraging active participation.

Strategic Depth: Balancing company growth, mergers, and share purchases requires strategic thinking.

Cons

Linear Board Layout: The board’s linear path, which coils around, can limit expansion directions compared to *Acquire*’s grid layout.

Unique Industry Cards: Only one copy of each industry card exists, which can limit certain strategies if a needed card is taken by another player.

No Bonuses for Majority Shareholders: Unlike *Acquire*, there are no bonuses for holding the majority of shares in a company.

Personal Thoughts on Big Boss

*Big Boss* is ideal for fans of economic and strategic board games, particularly those who enjoy games like *Acquire*. It offers a unique blend of company management, mergers, and share trading that keeps players engaged throughout. The game’s design and mechanics make it accessible to both new and experienced players, making it a great addition to any board game collection. If you enjoy fast-paced, financially driven gameplay with a touch of classic elegance, *Big Boss* is certainly worth checking out.

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