Giganten
- Designer Wilko Manz
- Publisher KOSMOS
- Illustration Franz Vohwinkel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Giganten, players explore an oilfield in 1920s Texas, racing to claim drilling sites with their trucks. You compete with up to three others to access sites that vary in value. After extracting oil, players bid secretly for sales contracts, with bluffing playing a key role as bids are hidden from opponents.
Who Is This Game For?
Giganten targets experienced gamers aged 10 and up who enjoy strategic auctions and economic themes. With a 90-minute playtime, it requires focus and patience and is not suitable for solo play or casual players.
How It Works
The core mechanics include Auction/Bidding, Commodity Speculation, and Multi-Use Cards. Players move trucks to develop oil sites, gather resources, and then secretly bid on sales contracts. The hidden bidding adds a bluffing element. Multi-use cards provide flexible actions, enhancing strategic options.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Wilko Manz and nominated for Spiel des Jahres in 1999, Giganten stands out by combining economic themes with hidden bidding auctions. Its focus on oil production and trucking themes makes it unique, also recognized by the Meeples Choice Award nomination that year.
Awards
1999
- 1999 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Engaging blend of exploration and auction mechanics
- Hidden bids add bluffing and strategic depth
- Strong thematic integration of 1920s oil industry
- Designed for 3-4 players, ideal for economic game enthusiasts
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Complex rules may deter beginners
- 90-minute duration requires commitment
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in 1920s Texas, Giganten simulates oil exploration and the oil industry's economic competition as players develop wells and sell oil.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus initially on understanding the auction dynamics and the value of drilling sites before exploring more complex strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Giganten is designed for 3 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, which is considered a medium to long session.
What prior experience do I need?
The game suits experienced players familiar with economic mechanics and auction bidding.
How does this compare to similar games?
Giganten’s unique combination of hidden bidding and multi-use cards sets it apart from many economic games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and recommended minimum age of 10, it is better suited for experienced players rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The hidden auction (Auction/Bidding) combined with bluffing and multi-use cards distinguishes the gameplay.
Fazit
Giganten is recommended for experienced players who appreciate deep economic strategy and auction mechanics. It is less suitable for families or solo players due to its complexity and player count requirements.
