# Blackout

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1980
- **BGG Rating**: 4.5
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-4
- **Duration**: 60 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: (Uncredited)
- **Publishers**: Kirkland Game Co., Northern Games Co. Ltd.
- **Categories**: Economic, Industry / Manufacturing, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: Roll / Spin and Move

## Verdict
If you love blending deep economic strategy with a dash of dice‑driven luck, Blackout will hook you from the first turn.Deep economic strategyDynamic territorial expansionRobust thematic componentsLuck impacts key decisionsInitial learning curveRECOMMENDED

## Description
Blackout: Hong Kong puts you in charge of a power company trying to bring the city back to life after a massive blackout. Each player runs their own firm, buying power plants, expanding into new districts, and when needed, taking over competitors' facilities through acquisition or foreclosure. The board depicts Hong Kong divided into regions that generate electricity demand; the more areas you control, the more revenue your network produces. Over 140 plant cards represent different capacities, build costs, and fuel requirements. Each round a die tells you how many spaces to move on the action track, where you can purchase new plants, upgrade existing ones, or negotiate with opponents. IMPACT cards introduce random events that can speed up or hinder your progress, forcing quick decisions. The win condition is to end the game with the highest net investment in power plants – total plant value minus debts – proving who truly dominates the post‑blackout market. While dice rolls and impact cards add luck, most of the game hinges on strategic planning: where to invest, when to mortgage land, and how to block rivals. Components are solid, featuring over $250 in play money, colorful markers, and a detailed board. In about 60 minutes, Blackout delivers accessible yet evolving strategy, as the mix of regions, plants, and events never repeats. Perfect for fans of economic and territory‑control games who don’t want overly heavy rules.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
2 to 4 players.

### What is the typical playing time?
About 60 minutes, up to 90 minutes with four players.

### How complex is the game?
Rated around 3.5/5 – easy to learn but offers deep strategic choices.

### What components are included?
A Hong Kong board, 1 die, 4 player markers, 140 power‑plant cards, 31 impact cards, 40 mortgage cards, 4 value charts, and over $250 in paper money.

### Who should buy this game?
Fans of economic and territory‑control games who enjoy strategic risk‑reward decisions without overly heavy rules.