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The Cost (2020) Board Game

ByMichail

The Cost is a board game released in 2020, designed by Harald Lieske and featuring artwork by Spielworxx. It falls under the categories of Action Drafting, Market Network, Route Building, Ownership, and Pick-up and Deliver mechanics. The game is best played with 2 to 4 players, with a runtime of around 75 minutes. Players aged 12 and above can enjoy this game that offers a mix of strategy and resource management.

Game Components of The Cost

  • Game board featuring investment and infrastructure areas
  • Player boards for managing resources and investments
  • Investment cards
  • Resource tokens
  • Currency tokens
  • Railway and port components
  • Action markers

    How To Setup The Cost

    To set up The Cost, players start by placing the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The investment cards are shuffled and placed on designated spaces on the board. Resource tokens, currency, and other components are distributed according to the rules. Players choose their starting investments, and the game is ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    **Game Objective:**
    The objective is to accumulate wealth and influence by making strategic investments, managing resources, and navigating the complexities of the asbestos industry.

    **Gameplay Mechanics:**

  • Investment Phase:** Players select investment opportunities on the board, which can be blocked or affected by other players’ choices.
  • Resource Management:** Players manage resources, including currency, to execute their investments.
  • Infrastructure Management:** Railways and ports are crucial for shipping and profits, but can be entangled due to competing interests.
  • Optimization:** Players must optimize their investments to outperform their competitors.
  • Shared and Competing Incentives:** The game features a system where every action has both personal and collective implications.

    Player Experience

    Playing The Cost is a dynamic and engaging experience that combines strategic depth with a thought-provoking theme. The game forces players to balance short-term gains with long-term strategies, all while considering the moral implications of their actions in the asbestos industry. The interplay between players is intense, with each move potentially affecting others. This makes the game highly replayable, as different strategies and player interactions lead to unique outcomes each time.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** The game offers complex optimization challenges and strategic decision-making.
  • Replayability:** High replay value due to the dynamic nature of player interactions and varied investment opportunities.
  • Thematic Resonance:** The game effectively combines its economic engine with a sobering message about the consequences of industrial practices.
  • Engaging Gameplay:** Fast-paced action phase with hidden strategic depths.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** The game has a significant learning curve due to its complex mechanics and interdependent systems.
  • Moral Complexity:** Some players may find the theme and moral questions posed by the game uncomfortable or heavy.
  • Player Interaction:** While the game is highly interactive, some players may find the level of competition and resource juggling overwhelming.

    Personal Thoughts on The Cost

    The Cost is a game for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay combined with a strong thematic element. It is ideal for players interested in economic engine-builders and worker placement games, and those who appreciate games that provoke thought and discussion. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking light, casual gaming, it is a must-try for anyone looking for a challenging and intellectually stimulating experience. The game’s replayability and dynamic nature make it a great addition to any serious board game collection.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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