[Acquire Review] A thorough explanation of the classic investment strategy board game that has been loved for 60 years
Released in 1964, Acquire is a classic strategy game designed by Sid Sackson that focuses on investing, selling, and acquiring companies.
What is it about this game that makes it so popular today?
We will explain in detail the appeal of Acquire and points to note, along with the honest opinions of reviewers who have actually played the game.
By reading this article, you'll be able to decide whether Acquire is the best fit for your gaming group before you buy.
Game Basics
Acquire's core mechanics are company growth through tile placement and strategic equity investment .
- Players: 2-6 (Recommended: 3-6, Best: 4)
- Playtime: 90 minutes
- Ages: 12 and up
Players make strategic investments in companies, aiming to gain majority ownership.
When tiles placed on the game board are adjacent, a company is formed, and the company grows as more tiles are placed.
Each turn, you repeat the following sequence:
- Tile placement
- Purchase up to 3 shares
- New tiles added
The appeal of Acquire: Why it has been loved for 60 years
Many players appreciate that Acquire is competitive, but not cutthroat or confrontational.
1. Simple rules and deep strategy
The "butter-smooth turning structure" makes it easy for even beginners to understand.
In actual play, the six tiles in your hand are confidential information, and it is important to use this inside information to gauge the timing of your investments.
For example, if you start a new company on the 7G tile, you will get an advantage in shareholder bonuses.
Merging large corporations on the 10I tile can bring in big profits if you buy up shares in advance.
2. A tense corporate merger system
The biggest attraction of Acquire is the excitement that comes with merging companies .
When a merger occurs, the smaller company (number of tiles) is absorbed into the larger company. If there is a tie, the player who initiated the merger has the choice. This system creates strategic bargaining.
Compensation will be paid to the top three shareholders of the absorbed company (1st place: 10x, 2nd place: 7.5x, 3rd place: 5x).
This change will help "keep more players in the game and prevent single-player wins."
3. High replayability with different developments each time
"The setup changes every time, so even if you think you have a winning strategy, the game will throw you a curveball and make you rethink your strategy," which is why you won't get bored even after playing it 50 times or more.
"Players work together to grow companies, invest in each other's stocks, trigger mergers, and bring about major changes like tectonic plates moving." The dynamic developments provide a fresh experience every time.
4. A perfect balance of luck and strategy
The game is designed to have a good balance of luck and strategy, with a greater emphasis on strategy, making it enjoyable for players of all ages, from beginners to advanced players.
The fact that it has been adopted for the 2023 World Board Game Championship proves its depth as a competitive game.
Concerns and solutions
Even though it's a classic that has been loved for 60 years, there are areas for improvement when viewed from a modern perspective.
1. Differences in experience depending on the number of players
Problem: "5-6 players can significantly increase waiting times, potentially reaching 2 hours of game time."
Countermeasures: "Playing with four or fewer people is recommended. A four-player limit is also adopted at the world championships." There is a reason for this.
A four player game can be played in a reasonable time of 60-90 minutes.
2. Unstable game pace
Problem: "There's a tsunami of mergers early on, and then there's a drought of almost no mergers for 40 minutes."
Solution: This phenomenon occurs because "there is no incentive for companies that do not own stock to grow or merge."
Diversifying your initial investment across multiple companies can help mitigate this issue.
3. High learning costs for beginners
Problem: "A steep learning curve and a lack of diversification on first play can lead to disastrous results."
Solution: Experienced players can offer advice to beginners and help them develop investment strategies together for the first few turns, which can help improve learning.
"The rules are surprisingly easy to understand, and one or two games is enough to understand the basic mechanics."
Recommended for these people and occasions
Acquire is a great strategy game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people.
Recommended Player
- For strategy game beginners and families: "A rare 'old game' that doesn't feel outdated even by modern standards. Strategic, cutthroat, yet simple and elegant."
- For those who like math: "It's a math game in many ways, requiring calculations like stock purchase totals and merger bonus distributions."
- Economic Game Enthusiast: "It's similar to Airlines Europe, where player actions ultimately determine stock prices."
Best play scene
- Strategy game for 3-4 players: A deep strategic experience in a reasonable time of 60-90 minutes
- Family Game Party: "Accessible and fun games that can be enjoyed by gamers and non-gamers alike."
- Competitive environment: A serious game recognized as a "competitive game at the World Board Game Championships"
Expected effects
- Improved strategic thinking: A sense of balance between long-term investment planning and short-term tactical decisions
- Risk management skills: Practice investment decisions where "calculated risk is exciting and fun"
- Social interactions: "The collaborative dynamics between players shape the trajectory of the game."
Recommendation level: ★★★★☆
Acquire, a "classic game that has been loved for 60 years," is a masterpiece that hides deep strategic potential within simple rules.
Especially when playing with 3-4 players, you can fully enjoy the tense corporate takeover drama.
There is a learning curve when you first play, but once you get the hang of it, it will become a classic game that you will love for a long time.
This is definitely a masterpiece that I would recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy investment strategies and psychological warfare.
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