Petropolis (1976) Board Game

Petropolis is a board game that was released in 1976, designed by Arnaud de Rosnay. The game is centered around economic and environmental themes, where players take on the role of industrialists competing to build the most successful city. With a runtime of 90 minutes, Petropolis is suitable for players aged 9 and above, with 2 to 7 players able to participate.

Game Components of Petropolis

Game board

Player tokens

Concession cards

Operating cards

Financial resources (money or equivalent tokens)

Rulebook

How To Setup Petropolis

Setting up Petropolis involves laying out the game board, which depicts various petroleum-producing countries. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting position. Players then receive an initial amount of financial resources and any starting concession cards. The remaining concession and operating cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The player who accumulates the largest fortune by operating oil concessions wins.

Mechanics:
– Resource Management: Managing financial resources to bid on concessions and operate them.
– Area Control: Controlling concessions in different countries.
– Economic Management: Balancing costs and revenues from operating concessions.
– Strategic Planning: Deciding which concessions to bid on and when to operate them.

Player Experience

Playing Petropolis immerses you in the world of oil tycoons, where strategic planning and economic management are key. The game requires players to balance their financial resources carefully, bid strategically on concessions, and make wise decisions about when to operate them. This blend of strategy and economic management can make for an engaging and challenging experience.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers complex decision-making, appealing to fans of strategy and economic management.

Thematic Immersion: The oil tycoon theme is well-integrated, providing a realistic and engaging setting.

Replayability: The random distribution of concession and operating cards ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be too complex for casual players or those new to economic strategy games.

Length: Games can be quite long, requiring a significant time commitment.

Outdated Mechanics: Some players might find the mechanics less polished compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Petropolis

Petropolis is ideal for players who enjoy economic strategy and are looking for a game with deep strategic mechanics. It is particularly suited for those interested in themes related to resource management and area control. However, due to its complexity and potential length, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking quick, light-hearted gameplay. If you’re ready to dive into the world of oil tycoons and enjoy a challenging economic strategy game, Petropolis could be an excellent addition to your board game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.