Save Our Bureaucrats (1980) Board Game

Save Our Bureaucrats is a board game that was released in 1980, designed by Gary Tallman and illustrated by S.O.B. of Montana. It falls under the categories of Economic and Political games, where players navigate bureaucratic challenges to save their bureaucrats. The game has a runtime of 60 minutes and can accommodate 2 to 6 players.

Game Components of Save Our Bureaucrats

Game board

Player tokens

Welfare cards

Financial transaction cards

Rulebook

Dice

How To Setup Save Our Bureaucrats

To set up the game, players first need to place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it at the starting point on the board. The Welfare cards and financial transaction cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player is given a set amount of money to begin with. The dice are used to determine movement and other game actions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Roll-and-move mechanic: Players roll dice to move their tokens around the board.

Card draw: Players draw Welfare and financial transaction cards that affect their game state.

Financial management: Players manage their finances, aiming to go broke.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the first player to go broke and go on Welfare.

Player Experience

Playing Save Our Bureaucrats offers a satirical look at bureaucratic systems and the challenges of managing finances in a humorous way. The game is relatively simple to understand but can be complex in its execution, making it engaging for players who enjoy strategic financial management and a bit of irony.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game’s theme is distinctive and offers a fresh perspective on board game design.

Simple yet Strategic: The mechanics are easy to learn, but the game requires strategic thinking.

Humorous: The game’s satirical take on bureaucracy adds a layer of humor and fun.

Cons

Limited Availability: The game is rare and harder to find, especially in good condition.

Outdated: The game’s mechanisms and components may feel outdated compared to modern board games.

Niche Interest: The game’s theme might not appeal to everyone.

Personal Thoughts on Save Our Bureaucrats

Save Our Bureaucrats is ideal for those who enjoy quirky, older board games with a unique theme. It’s a great addition for collectors of vintage board games and for anyone looking for a game that offers a lighter, humorous take on financial management and bureaucracy. However, due to its rarity and niche appeal, it may not be the best fit for all types of players.

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