Orconomics (Second Edition) (2022) Board Game

Orconomics (Second Edition) is a board game released in 2022, designed by Anton Kvasovarov. It falls under the economic and fantasy categories, offering players a unique gaming experience that combines strategy and resource management. With a runtime of 25-40 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, it has quickly gained popularity among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Orconomics

Modular board for random setup

Deck of quest cards

Deck of industry cards

10 company tokens per player

Gold and silver skulls as currency

Industry tiles with puzzle piece-like tabs

Crisis token

Cards with special abilities matching industries.

How To Setup Orconomics

Setup is straightforward and simple. Players start by connecting the industry tiles to form the modular board, which introduces randomization to each game. Each player selects their company tokens and receives an initial amount of currency. The quest and industry decks are shuffled, and the forecast dice are prepared. This quick setup allows more time for gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Forecast Dice: Determine the active industry each round.

Profits & Losses: Players with businesses in the active or adjacent industries receive or lose silver skulls based on the industry tile values.

Auction: Players bid in gold skulls to place a company token in the current industry, earning points.

Development: Players can play cards to create or promote startups in various industries.

Quest Completion: Complete quests for additional points or advantages.

Game Objective: Be the first to collect 11 points (4-5 players) or 12 points (2-3 players) by establishing companies and completing quests.

Player Experience

In Orconomics, players must balance financial management with strategic card play. The game requires careful stewardship of gold and silver skulls, as businesses are bought with gold but most transactions involve silver. Players can create startups, promote them, and even sabotage their opponents. The mix of auctions, card abilities, and quest completion adds a layer of complexity that is engaging but not overwhelming.

Pros

Modular Board: Introduces randomization and variability to each game.

Strategic Depth: Combines auctions, card play, and financial management.

Orcish Theme: Unique and humorous setting that adds character to the game.

Sturdy Components: High-quality industry tiles and currency skulls.

Balanced Interaction: Allows for cutthroat strategies without overwhelming players.

Cons

Currency Management: The need to trade silver for gold can be frustrating.

Dependence on Luck: Forecast dice and card draws can introduce unpredictability.

Limited Direct Interaction: Some players may find the sabotage mechanics not impactful enough.

Personal Thoughts on Orconomics

Orconomics is ideal for players who enjoy light to medium complexity economic games with a unique theme. It’s perfect for those who appreciate strategic planning, auctions, and clever card play. The game’s humor and artwork make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for fans of fantasy settings. However, it may not suit players seeking extremely complex economic simulations or intense direct player interaction.

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