Automobile
- Designer Martin Wallace
- Publisher Mayfair Games , Warfrog Games , 999 Games , IELLO , Lookout Games
- Illustration Mike Atkinson , Czarnè , Peter Dennis , Klemens Franz
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Automobile, players compete in the early 20th century U.S. auto industry by purchasing factories that produce cars of varying values. Players must manage market demand information, fund distributors, adjust prices, and use special actions representing historical figures like Ford and Kettering. Managing production efficiency and technology upgrades is key to winning.
Who Is This Game For?
Automobile is a medium-weight strategy game suited for players aged 12 and up who enjoy economic planning and market manipulation. It requires patience for its extended 120-minute playtime and some prior experience with complex strategy games.
How It Works
The game features Commodity Speculation, Loans, Open Drafting, Turn Order: Role Order, and Variable Player Powers. Players buy factories, produce cars, and respond to fluctuating market demands. Special role orders and player powers give unique one-turn abilities tied to historical entrepreneurs, adding strategic depth.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Martin Wallace, Automobile was nominated for the 2009 Golden Geek Best Gamers' Board Game among other awards. It belongs to the Treefrog Line series and uniquely combines economic depth with variable player powers set in the automotive industry.
Awards
2009
2009
- 2010 JoTa Best Heavy Board Game Critic Award — Nominated
- 2010 JoTa Best Heavy Board Game — Nominated
- 2009 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
- 2009 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Historically inspired variable player powers
- Deep economic strategy with commodity speculation and loans
- Extended playtime for immersive sessions
- Multiple award nominations and designed by Martin Wallace
Contra
- Only suitable for 3-5 players
- Relatively long playtime around 120 minutes
- Requires prior experience with complex strategy games
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the early 1900s U.S. automotive industry, focusing on technological progress and market competition.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on analyzing market information carefully and adjusting production to meet demand.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Automobile is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games last about 120 minutes, so allow time for setup and learning.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets medium-weight strategy players with experience in economic planning.
How does this compare to similar games?
Automobile combines commodity speculation with variable player powers in a historical industrial setting.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 12 and complex strategy, it's better suited for experienced players than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
Variable Player Powers grant unique special abilities based on historical entrepreneurs.
Fazit
Automobile is a challenging economic strategy game recommended for players who enjoy longer, in-depth sessions and managing complex market dynamics. Fans of industry-themed games will find it rewarding.
