# The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2016
- **BGG Rating**: 7.7
- **BGG Rank**: #371
- **Players**: 1-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 60-120 min
- **Weight**: 3.04 / 5
- **Designers**: Luke Laurie, Tom Jolly
- **Artists**: Jeffrey Edwards, Josh Cappel
- **Publishers**: Minion Games, Doit Games, Playfun Games
- **Categories**: Dice, Economic, Environmental, Industry / Manufacturing
- **Mechanics**: Contracts, Dice Rolling, Die Icon Resolution, End Game Bonuses, Events, Income, Market, Multi-Use Cards, Open Drafting, Solo / Solitaire Game, Tags, Track Movement, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up, Worker Placement, Worker Placement, Different Worker Types

## Verdict
If you enjoy eurogames with resource management and a thought-provoking theme, Energy Empire is a solid bet. A worker placement game that challenges you to balance growth and sustainability.Deep resource managementRelevant and current themeClever dice mechanicHigh replayabilityChallenging solo modeCan be a bit longInitial learning curveIndirect interactionRECOMMENDED

## Description
In The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire, you step into the shoes of an ambitious nation, aiming to dominate the global stage in the late 20th century. But forget the atomic bombs of the original game; here, the struggle is for energy and influence, with a touch of environmental awareness. Your mission is to build an industrial, commercial, and governmental empire by gathering resources, erecting structures, and mastering various energy sources. Oil prices are soaring, and nuclear energy seems to be the future, but beware: every industrial advance brings with it the specter of pollution and its uncertain global impacts.

This is a standalone game, set in the same universe as The Manhattan Project, but with a completely new focus. The threat isn't war, but the consequences of unchecked industrialization. Your actions come with a price, and the more you grow, the more pollution you generate. The good news is that science is there to help, mitigating the harmful effects of industry and even averting global crises. The core mechanics involve worker placement, combined with tableau-building and resource management.

On each turn, you choose between two main actions: 'Work' or 'Generate'. When 'Working', you place a worker on the main board and then use other workers and energy to activate cards in your tableau, which represent your industries and projects. A neat twist is that you can spend energy to use an already occupied space on the main board, so you're never completely blocked! On a 'Generate' turn, it's time to replenish your energy supply by rolling dice that represent different sources like nuclear, coal, oil, and solar. It's a constant ballet between expansion, production, and the responsibility of keeping the planet habitable. Can you build an energy empire without destroying everything in the process?

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime for The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire?
A game typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules. It's a medium-weight game that rewards strategic planning.

### How many players can play?
The game accommodates 1 to 5 players. The solo mode is quite robust and offers an interesting challenge for those who want to play alone.

### Is it a very complex game for beginners?
The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire is considered a medium-weight game (3.04/5 on BGG). It has an initial learning curve due to its various mechanics, but it's accessible for those who already have some experience with eurogames.

### Do I need the original The Manhattan Project to play Energy Empire?
No! Energy Empire is a completely standalone game. It takes place in the same thematic 'universe' but is not an expansion and does not require the original base game to play.

### What is the main focus of the game?
The focus is on resource management, worker placement, and engine building. You need to balance industrial growth with pollution management and the pursuit of victory points.

### Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the components are generally well-regarded, with good quality boards and cards, and custom dice. The artwork also contributes to the immersion in the industrial and environmental theme.

### Who is this game best suited for?
It's ideal for players who enjoy strategic eurogames with worker placement and tableau building mechanics. If you like games with a relevant theme and constant strategic decisions, you'll really enjoy it!

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 72.46 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=749819&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/18878/the-manhattan-project-energy-empire?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com