Startups (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Startups is a card game designed by Jun Sasaki and published by 4 Kavky in in 2017. It is an economic game that revolves around players investing in various startups and trying to increase the value of their investments. The game is best played with 4 players and has a runtime of around 20 minutes. It is suitable for players aged 10 and above and features mechanics such as area majority/influence, hot potato, set collection, and score-and-reset.

Game Components of Startups

84 Startup cards

25 Investment cards

20 Startup markers

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Startups

Shuffle the Startup cards and deal each player a hand of 6 cards.

Place the Investment cards in a separate deck.

Place the Startup markers in a pile within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns investing in startups by playing Startup cards from their hand. Each startup has a specific value that can increase or decrease depending on the actions of the players. The objective of the game is to have the most valuable investments at the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick gameplay

Strategic depth in decision-making

Replayability due to different startup combinations

Cons:

Limited player interaction

Luck-based elements can affect outcomes

Personal Thoughts on Startups

Startups is a solid economic card game that offers a good mix of strategy and luck. The game’s mechanics provide players with meaningful choices and the ability to adapt their strategies based on the actions of their opponents. The build quality of the game components is decent, and the artwork is visually appealing.

In terms of pricing and availability, Startups can be found at a reasonable price point for a new copy. However, availability may vary depending on the region. As for alternatives and similar games, players who enjoy economic games with a focus on investments and set collection may also enjoy games like Splendor or Stockpile.

Overall, Startups is worth your time if you enjoy quick, strategic card games with an economic theme. It is suitable for players who are looking for a game that offers a good balance of luck and skill. However, those who prefer games with more player interaction may find Startups lacking in that aspect.

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