Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love dense economic games but want a relevant and urgent theme. The balance between profit and ecology is fascinating.
Highlights
- Dynamic and tense carbon market
- High-quality wooden components
- Well-implemented solo and cooperative modes
- Current theme integrated with mechanics
Keep in mind
- Initial learning curve is steep
- Strategic weight requires full focus
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine the 1970s: global energy demand is skyrocketing, and the quick fix was building polluting power plants everywhere. Now, the environmental bill has come due. In CO₂: Second Chance, you step into the shoes of a CEO of a sustainable energy company. Governments are desperate for clean alternatives, and that's where you come in: proposing green energy projects to save the planet—and, of course, making a profit along the way.
The game is a tense balancing act between profit and global survival. You'll need funding, technical expertise, and resources to build eco-friendly power plants. But it's not just about building; there's the dynamic of Carbon Emission Permits (CEPs) granted by the UN. These permits are essential for infrastructure and fossil fuel plants, and their price fluctuates in a volatile market. Whoever controls the CEPs controls the game's flow. Additionally, Energy Summits allow you to exchange expertise with other CEOs, learning new technologies while trying to keep your competitive edge.
Your ultimate goal is your company's reputation, measured in victory points. You earn points by constructing green plants, completing UN goals, meeting internal company objectives, and gaining expertise. But be warned: if pollution levels spiral out of control, it's game over for everyone. There's no point in being the richest CEO on a dead planet.
This edition has been completely redesigned for a smoother and more visual experience. Forget cardboard tokens; we now have wooden components, modern iconography, and a rulebook with 3D images that make learning the game much easier. The gameplay is more balanced, and sessions are shorter without sacrificing depth. For those who prefer playing alone or as a team, the game now includes an objective-based solo mode and a cooperative mode, where unity is the only way to survive.
The game is a tense balancing act between profit and global survival. You'll need funding, technical expertise, and resources to build eco-friendly power plants. But it's not just about building; there's the dynamic of Carbon Emission Permits (CEPs) granted by the UN. These permits are essential for infrastructure and fossil fuel plants, and their price fluctuates in a volatile market. Whoever controls the CEPs controls the game's flow. Additionally, Energy Summits allow you to exchange expertise with other CEOs, learning new technologies while trying to keep your competitive edge.
Your ultimate goal is your company's reputation, measured in victory points. You earn points by constructing green plants, completing UN goals, meeting internal company objectives, and gaining expertise. But be warned: if pollution levels spiral out of control, it's game over for everyone. There's no point in being the richest CEO on a dead planet.
This edition has been completely redesigned for a smoother and more visual experience. Forget cardboard tokens; we now have wooden components, modern iconography, and a rulebook with 3D images that make learning the game much easier. The gameplay is more balanced, and sessions are shorter without sacrificing depth. For those who prefer playing alone or as a team, the game now includes an objective-based solo mode and a cooperative mode, where unity is the only way to survive.
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Giochix.it, Barbu Inc., Ediciones MasQueOca, Mayfair Games, MeepleBR, Skellig Games, Stronghold Games, YOKA Games
Designer
Vital Lacerda
Artist
Giacomo Tappainer, Ian O'Toole, Paula Simonetti
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
7,859owners
2,042wishlist
286want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game hard to learn?
It has a high strategic weight (4.08), so it's not a 'pick up and play' game. However, the new manual with 3D images makes the logic much easier to grasp.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! This version includes an objective-based solo mode, perfect for testing strategies or playing when you're on your own.
How long does a game take?
Between 60 and 120 minutes. This new edition was optimized to be faster than the original version.
Is it a cooperative or competitive game?
Originally, it's semi-cooperative: you want to beat the others, but if nobody collaborates to stop the pollution, everyone loses.
Who do you recommend this game for?
For 'hardcore' gamers who enjoy resource management, economics, and games where every decision impacts the board and the market.
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