Planet Steam

Planet Steam is a fantastic, albeit complex, game that puts you in the shoes of a steampunky entrepreneur in the year 2415. The game's theme, while not overly present in the gameplay, is strong enough to add a sense of immersion. The goal is to build up your steam empire, extracting resources, manipulating the market, and ultimately becoming the richest player. I really enjoyed the market mechanics; the game is full of tension as you try to anticipate the decisions of your opponents and capitalize on fluctuating resource prices.

One of the things I love about Planet Steam is the high quality of the components. Fantasy Flight, the publisher, has a reputation for quality, and they deliver in this game. The plastic tanks, airship cards, and other components are well-made and visually appealing. I also appreciate the player aids, which make it easy to keep track of the game's many moving parts.

The game's complexity is definitely a factor to consider. It's not a "gateway game" and is definitely best suited for experienced board game players. The rulebook can be a bit daunting at first, and the game can easily take 2-3 hours to play, especially with a group of 4 or 5. However, once you get the hang of it, the game is incredibly engaging and strategic.

If you're a fan of euro-style games with a strong emphasis on economics and strategy, then Planet Steam is definitely worth checking out. It's a game that rewards careful planning, intelligent resource management, and clever market manipulation. However, if you're looking for a quick and casual game, this is not the one for you.