The Bottom Line (1985) Board Game

The Bottom Line is a classic economic board game released in 1985 by Maruca Industries. Designed by A. Trevor Pepperell and featuring art by Marek Mann, this game has been a favorite among strategy game enthusiasts for decades. The game’s premise is centered around players buying and selling stocks, negotiating deals, and building up their wealth to come out on top.

Game Components of The Bottom Line

Game board

Stock cards

Money tokens

Player tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup The Bottom Line

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the stock cards and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Each player begins with a set amount of money tokens.

Place all player tokens on the starting space on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In The Bottom Line, players take turns rolling dice and moving around the board to buy and sell stocks. The objective is to accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game through strategic investments and negotiations with other players. Players can also engage in trading with one another to further increase their profits.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging gameplay that keeps players on their toes.

Strategic decision-making that requires thought and planning.

Negotiation with other players adds an element of social interaction.

Cons

The game can be complex for beginners.

Luck plays a factor in dice rolls and stock card draws.

Gameplay can be lengthy, especially with a full player count.

Personal Thoughts on The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line is a solid economic board game that offers a good balance of strategy and luck. The game’s components are well-made and the artwork is visually appealing. The category of economic and negotiation games is niche but offers a unique gameplay experience for those interested in this genre.

In terms of pricing and availability, The Bottom Line can be found both new and used online through various retailers. While there are alternatives and similar games in the market, The Bottom Line stands out for its classic gameplay and timeless appeal. It is worth your time if you enjoy economic strategy games and have a group of friends who are willing to invest the time to learn and play. However, those who prefer faster-paced or lighter games may want to skip this one.

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