Blackout: Hong Kong (2018) Board Game

Blackout: Hong Kong is a board game released in 2018, designed by Alexander Pfister and published by eggertspiele. It falls under the categories of economic and exploration games, featuring area majority/influence, deck building, dice rolling, and hand management mechanics. The game is set in a dystopian future where Hong Kong has been hit by a massive blackout, and players must navigate the city to restore order and rebuild their networks.

Game Components of Blackout: Hong Kong

Game board featuring a map of Hong Kong

Player boards for each player

Resource cards (red, yellow, blue)

Specialist cards (purple)

Contract cards

Scouting tiles

GPS tiles

Cubes for resource tracking and district control

Dice for resource allocation

Tokens for various resources (medicine, water, etc.)

HK$ tokens

Injury and hospital tokens

Objective cards

Check-mark action tokens

How To Setup Blackout: Hong Kong

Setting up *Blackout: Hong Kong* involves several steps. First, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. Shuffle and deal the starting hand of basic cards to each player. Determine the starting player, who will keep track of the game phases on their tableau. Prepare the resource dice, scouting tiles, and other components according to the rulebook instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Gather resources based on dice rolls and card actions.

Route Building: Expand your network around Hong Kong to secure districts.

Hand Management: Manage your deck of cards to achieve objectives.

Pool Building: Acquire new cards to enhance your abilities.

Scouting: Explore districts to gain bonuses, risking team injuries.

Area Majority: Score points by controlling districts.

Card Pick-Up Mechanism: Refill your hand with cards from your player board.

Game Objective

The objective is to restore power and order in Hong Kong by cooperating with volunteers and specialists, completing emergency plans, and building a rescue network. Players aim to score the most victory points by securing districts, completing objectives, and managing resources efficiently.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of organizations working to restore Hong Kong after a massive blackout. The game is rich in mechanics, offering a complex yet engaging experience. The theme is well-integrated, with elements like injury and hospital mechanisms adding depth. The game requires strategic planning, resource management, and efficient use of specialists and objectives. The campaign mode allows for a multi-session playthrough, simulating an entire week of blackout.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The modern setting and thematic elements enhance player immersion.

Deep Mechanics: Multiple layers of gameplay mechanics provide a challenging and rewarding experience.

High Replayability: Various objectives and the scouting mechanism ensure different outcomes each game.

Good Component Quality: Components are solid, though some could be improved (e.g., translucent cubes instead of cardboard).

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous mechanics.

Fiddly Elements: Managing many components and rules can be slightly fiddly.

Component Issues: Some player colors (like gray) blend too much with the board and tokens.

Rulebook Clarity: The rulebook could be improved with a brief game overview at the beginning.

Personal Thoughts on Blackout: Hong Kong

*Blackout: Hong Kong* is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games with multiple mechanics. It offers a unique blend of resource management, route building, and hand management that keeps players engaged. While it may be challenging for new players, the game’s theme and mechanics make it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay. The campaign mode adds an extra layer of depth, making it suitable for players looking for a game that can span multiple sessions.

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