Ground Floor (2012) Board Game

Ground Floor is a city-building board game released in 2012 designed by Ariel Seoane and published by Tasty Minstrel Games. The game is set in the world of business and commerce, where players take on the roles of entrepreneurs striving to build successful companies and expand their influence in the market.

Game Components of Ground Floor

Game board

Player boards

Resource tokens

Employee cards

Project cards

Market demand cards

Various other tokens and markers for tracking progress and resources.

How To Setup Ground Floor

To set up the game, each player chooses a player board and places it on the table. Each player starts with a personal specialty card and limited resources. The game board is set up with market demand cards, and each player has a set amount of time (9 years in game time) to build their business empire. Players also need to lay out the employee and project cards within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players must manage resources effectively to hire employees, complete projects, and meet market demands.

Employee Recruitment: Hiring employees with the right skills is crucial for project success.

Project Completion: Completing projects earns revenue and reputation points.

Market Adaptation: Adapting to changing market demands is essential for long-term success.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most wealth and reputation points within the 9-year game period.

Player Experience

In Ground Floor, players experience the challenges and thrills of building a business from scratch. The game demands strategic planning, resource management, and adaptability. Players must balance short-term needs with long-term goals, making it a engaging and realistic entrepreneurial experience.

Pros

Realistic Business Simulation: The game provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges and opportunities in building a business.

High Replayability: With various employee and project cards, each game offers a unique experience.

Interactive Mechanics: Players must interact with each other and the market, creating a dynamic gameplay environment.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its intricate mechanics and numerous components.

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy, typically lasting several hours.

High dependency on luck: Market demands and card draws can significantly influence the game’s outcome.

Personal Thoughts on Ground Floor

Ground Floor is ideal for enthusiasts of business simulations and complex strategy games. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy planning, managing resources, and adapting to changing circumstances. The game is not for the faint of heart; it requires dedication and a willingness to learn its intricate mechanics. However, for those who enjoy a challenge and are passionate about business and strategy, Ground Floor offers a deeply rewarding and realistic entrepreneurial experience.

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