Powerline (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Powerline is a board game released in 2022, designed by Patricia Limberger and published by Queen Games. The game falls under the categories of dice and environmental, with a runtime of about 45 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Powerline

Player Boards: Each player has a unique board representing a map with power stations and cities.

Colored Dice: Six dice, each with a different color (red, yellow, blue, green, white, and black).

Worker Meeple: Six colored worker meeples for each player.

Powerline Tokens: Green tokens to mark completed power lines.

Energy Tiles: Tokens for cities and power stations.

Scoring Track and Tiles: Located on the central board for interim and final scoring.

Joker Tiles and Vacation Tiles: For special scoring and penalties.

Worker Charts and Tracks: On the player boards to manage worker placements.

How To Setup Powerline

To set up **Powerline**, place the central board on the table, which includes the scoring track and round tracker. Each player receives a player board with a map of the country, worker charts, and tracks for worker meeples. The colored dice are placed on the central board in their specific color order. Players start with their marker at the 10VP spot on the scoring track. Three scoring tiles are randomly drawn and placed on the central board for the interim scoring rounds.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll Dice: Roll the six colored dice and place them on the central board in their color order.

Plan Workers: Players plan the placement of their worker meeples on their boards, adhering to the color order of the dice.

Construct Powerlines: Replace worker meeples with green powerline tokens on the board. Complete power lines to score points for cities and power stations.

Interim Scoring: Score points after rounds 5, 10, and 15 based on the scoring tiles.

Final Scoring: Score points for completed power lines, cities, and power stations. Penalties are applied for incomplete power lines.

Player Experience

**Powerline** offers a meditative and puzzling experience, often described as multiplayer solitaire. Players focus on their individual boards, placing workers and constructing power lines without direct interaction with others. The game requires strategic planning, as the number of workers that can be placed is limited, and the ability to place all six workers is restricted to only a few times throughout the game. This mechanic creates a dynamic where early aggressive players may slow down later in the game, allowing others to catch up.

Pros

Carbon Neutral: The game is produced with a carbon-neutral footprint and avoids paper waste.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy to teach and pick up after a few rounds.

Tactile Experience: Placing wooden workers and cardboard tokens is satisfying.

High Replayability: The game can be replayed multiple times without needing new sheets or printing.

Variants Included: The game comes with expansion modules to change the gameplay experience.

Cons

Restrictive Mechanics: Limitations on worker placements can make the last few rounds feel dull.

Luck Factor: The reliance on dice rolls can lead to complaints about luck affecting the game.

Lack of Interaction: The game is multiplayer solitaire, which some players might find less engaging.

Personal Thoughts on Powerline

**Powerline** is ideal for players who enjoy abstract puzzle games and are looking for a relaxing, yet strategic experience. It’s a great fit for those interested in sustainable themes and carbon-neutral gaming. However, players seeking high interaction or deep strategic complexity might find **Powerline** a bit lacking. Overall, it’s a solid choice for solo players or groups looking for a calm, thinky game.

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.