Barrage
- Designer Tommaso Battista , Simone Luciani
- Publisher Cranio Creations , CrowD Games , Delta Vision Publishing , Feuerland Spiele , Galápagos Jogos
- Illustration Mauro Alocci , Antonio De Luca , Roman Roland Kuteynikov
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You represent one of four international companies contesting water in an Alpine region of a dystopic 1930s, building dams, increasing storage and routing pressure through tunnels to powerhouses. Over five rounds you manage resources, place engineers to upgrade machinery, and fulfill shared power demands and personal contracts. Tension comes from site competition, timing of worker placement and long‑term machine upgrades.
Who Is This Game For?
A game for experienced strategy players: Barrage is complex and requires multi‑round planning. With a playtime around 180 minutes and a minimum age of 14, it's aimed at players comfortable with deep economic and network mechanics. A solo mode exists, so it also suits solo enthusiasts.
How It Works
Core systems are resource management and placing engineers to unlock construction actions and unique buildings. Network and Route Building determines how rivers and tunnels connect to your turbines, while Contracts and End Game Bonuses drive scoring. Ownership and Income mechanics reward long‑term investment. Decisions balance immediate gains against upgrading your engine for later rounds.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Tommaso Battista and Simone Luciani, Barrage stands out through its technical theme and tight site competition. In 2019 it received recognitions such as Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game and Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel (see awards). The mix of Contracts and Network and Route Building creates a distinct strategic footprint.
Awards
2019
- 2019 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Winner
- 2019 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2019 Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel — Winner
Pro
- Deep resource management and multi‑round planning (Income, End Game Bonuses).
- High interaction through competition for sites and tunnel connections (Network and Route Building).
- Strategic variety via machinery upgrades and personal Contracts.
- Includes a Solo / Solitaire Game option for solo play.
Contra
- Long playtime (~180 minutes) — requires a dedicated session.
- High complexity can be intimidating for newcomers.
- Setup and explanation take additional time before smooth play.
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in an alternative, industrial 1930s Alpine setting where companies vie for hydropower. The technical, industrial theme is central to the game's actions and decisions.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on mastering basic resource flows and the network connections; plan several rounds ahead rather than reacting only to immediate needs.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game includes a Solo / Solitaire Game option and players.min is 1.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 180 minutes; include extra time for setup and rule explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with economic and network games is helpful; Barrage is aimed at more experienced players.
How does this compare to similar games?
Barrage combines Network and Route Building with Contracts and engine upgrades, giving it a technical, site‑focused feel distinct from simpler economic titles.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and high complexity, it's better suited to experienced family members than to younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Network and Route Building element, together with machinery upgrades and Contracts, defines its gameplay.
Fazit
Barrage is a demanding, richly strategic game for players who enjoy deep resource and network planning. Recommended if you can commit to ~180 minutes and complex decisions; less suitable for casual groups.
