The week before last there appeared a complex play, full of dream imagery and psychoanalysis, Journey into the Unconscious. However, this time we don’t have a simple name for you. Today, Dam Strategy will be given a space that, as the name suggests, will allow players to build dams and then work with them in the name of generating electricity used to carry out orders. The following lines of this review will tell you how it plays in general and what makes it stand out.
- Number of players: 1–4
- Game time: 60–90 minutes
- Price: 1485 CZK (Tlama Games)
- Provided by: Muzzle games
- Age: 14+
The dam will make you the head of a state-owned company
Entering the Dam game means leading one of the innovative energy companies striving to provide sustainable energy after the world war. The world is hungry for alternatives to fossil fuels, and you have the opportunity to harness the enormous potential of hydropower. Players become leaders of companies competing to build the most efficient hydroelectric power plants in the Alpine region. Planning and strategy here are key to success, as the map features a variety of areas for dams, power plants, and pipelines connected to turbines, each with unique challenges.
The central element of the game is water: it flows across the map, and your goal is to effectively catch and use it using the Produce action. For this action you will need a combination of a dam, a turbine and a water drop. Production generates energy that can be used to achieve victory points, complete contracts, or obtain additional resources. Players can also use competing turbines for a fee, but with certain restrictions. Each drop of water passing through the turbine provides energy equal to its power. After mining is completed, water continues to flow, which may affect other players.
Once you generate energy, you move up the energy bar for that round, which determines your income in the next round, as well as the chance to earn bonus victory points. Completing contracts is another key to success – each contract requires a certain amount of energy. At the beginning of the game, each player receives a CEO, basic resources and a starting contract that will help him start his business. The game is divided into five rounds, each of which contains the same number of phases. Some allow players to actively intervene in development, while others allow you to reap the fruits of your labor.
The first phase of the round is “Reception” and “Influx”. This section is where you receive rewards and income unlocked on your company board – these can be cars, points, or other benefits. Once you collect the fruits for everything built, you release drops of water to the top of the map according to predetermined conditions. They will remain in these positions until the next stage of the round. The second stage is Action, where players place their vehicles on available action boards and perform various actions, such as building dams, power plants or turbines, managing water resources, or obtaining other resources and contracts.
Construction takes place using a construction wheel, where you place the necessary equipment and material. By paying the cost and turning the wheel, you can place a building on the playing field. The water then flows into dams, which fill and can overflow, affecting the flow of water and creating new opportunities. The game features mechanics for managing resources, improving production, and competition between players trying to get the most out of their projects, as well as contracts that they can realize the potential of.
The Dam requires careful strategy throughout the game. After scoring, players earn victory points for their achievements across the spectrum, and the energy is “reset” for the next round. The game continues, the map is filled with buildings, and each round brings new challenges. At the end of the game, a final recount of points occurs to determine the winner.
Each building will be a unique experience while playing Dam.
Dam is an exceptional strategy game that offers a deep gaming experience. It is suitable for players who love complex strategies and like to rack their brains over every move. Power plant construction, water management and contract management form a harmonious whole, providing high variability and dynamics of the game.
For fans of the genre, this game is not to be missed as The Dam combines an engaging theme with challenging gameplay. But unless you’re into demanding board games, I’d probably go with something more affordable.
We would like to thank the Czech distributor Tlama Games for providing us with a copy of Dam.
Source :Indian TV
