Power Grid Deluxe: Europe/North America

I've always enjoyed strategy board games, and Power Grid Deluxe: Europe/North America certainly fits the bill. It's a complex and engaging game that requires careful planning and strategic thinking to succeed. This deluxe edition is a great option for fans of the original Power Grid, offering a refined experience with updated components and a new two-player variant, "Against the Trust."

The biggest draw for me was the new game board, which is double-sided and features both Europe and North America. The board is significantly larger than the original, providing a more immersive experience, but it also means you'll need a sizable table to accommodate it. I've found that keeping power plants on the board itself, in blocked-off areas, helps with space constraints.

I really appreciate the plastic money chips over the paper ones from the original. They feel more durable and are easier to handle. However, I do wish they included denominations for 20s or 30s, as breaking 50s can be a bit cumbersome.

The "Against the Trust" two-player variant, however, wasn't my cup of tea. I found it somewhat imbalanced, with the Trust player having an unfair advantage due to their free access to resources and power plants. I'd rather stick to the regular two-player game or try out the "Robots" expansion, which I've heard provides a more enjoyable and balanced experience.

Overall, Power Grid Deluxe is a great upgrade to the original game, offering a more polished experience with improved components and exciting gameplay. The "Against the Trust" variant might not be for everyone, but the rest of the game is still incredibly fun and challenging.