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Future Energy is a game that invites players into the world of energy transition. Set against the backdrop of Europe’s evolving energy landscape, the game reflects the urgent need to shift from traditional fossil and nuclear energy sources to renewable options. This transition is critical for reducing CO2 emissions and nuclear waste, mirroring real-world concerns about climate change and sustainability.
👥 2-4 players, ages 8+
⌛ Playing time: 60 minutes
📝 Designer: Emanuele Ornella
🎨 Artwork: Dennis Lohausen
🏢 Publisher: White Goblin Games (Dutch version, review copy provided) Originally published in English by Queen Games.
In this game, players take on the role of energy moguls, tasked with phasing out outdated power plants that rely on oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy. The replacement of these plants with more environmentally friendly options like fusion, wind, solar, and hydrogen power plants is at the core of the gameplay. Each time a player shuts down an old power plant, they earn bonuses. These bonuses are instrumental in upgrading existing power lines and obtaining construction contracts for new plants.
⚡ The game is not just about building new power plants; it also involves strategic investment in power grids. Players extend their grids across Europe, connecting the modern power plants they build. There’s a clever twist here – when other players use sections of your grid, you earn wheeling charges, adding interaction among players. The aim is to construct new power plants in as many European regions as possible and connect them to your grid. This network expansion not only increases your influence across the board but also contributes to your victory points tally.
🏭 Future Energy is structured around several rounds, and a player’s turn is divided into three distinct phases. First, there’s the Revenue Phase, where players collect money, which serves as a critical resource throughout the game. Next is the Planning Phase, where players use their resources to expand their power lines or acquire new construction contracts. This phase requires careful consideration, as each decision can significantly impact future turns. Finally, the Movement and Construction Phase involves moving construction crews to build power plants at designated sites.
🌍 The game’s end is triggered under specific conditions, like when a player has established all their power lines or when the final construction contract is revealed. This leads to a final scoring round where players tally their points from various achievements, like completed contracts, CO2 certificates, and their presence in different regions.
🔋 The game includes three optional modules, enriching the gameplay of Future Energy. These modules introduce new strategies and components, such as public contracts and enhanced gameplay mechanics like the largest grid challenge and construction grounds. The inclusion of these modules allows players to customize their gameplay experience.
Future Energy, the second installment in the Green Planet Series by Queen Games and White Goblin Games, is a family-oriented board game. Designed by Emanuele Ornella, it serves as a retheme of his 2017 game Pioneers, bringing a fresh perspective to the strategic gameplay.
🌱 The game’s presentation is noteworthy. The components are functional and durable, with sturdy cardboard and quality wooden pieces. There is some prep work involved, as over 80 power plants require stickering before the first play. The artwork by Dennis Lohausen is colorful and fitting, enhancing the game’s thematic appeal. The game comes with a well-structured rulebook filled with helpful images and illustrations. Although most elements are clearly explained, a few might require additional clarification.
⏱️ The gameplay itself is swift and smooth, featuring turns that flow seamlessly with minimal downtime. On average, a game lasts about 60 minutes, though it can stretch a bit longer with the maximum of four players. While the game is recommended for ages 8 and up, our experience suggests that 10+ might be a better fit. The mechanics, though simple and straightforward, involve strategic planning and network management that may be more suited for slightly older players.
🔗 At its core, Future Energy employs a straightforward action selection mechanism. Players engage in network building and pick up and deliver power plants from their contracts, which need to be constructed on the board to score points. An important aspect of gameplay is managing the movement of the construction crew to build these power plants, keeping an eye on the available options on their contracts. Additionally, the action tiles obtained from construction sites are crucial. These tiles can significantly benefit players if used with good timing, offering advantages like increased income, more actions per turn, endgame points, or the ability to immediately construct another power plant.
🤝 The game accommodates 2 to 4 players but shines with 3 or 4 due to the increased player interaction. This interaction is a crucial aspect of the game. Players must pay opponents for using their links during construction crew movements and can even join in on others’ power plant constructions for a fee. Additionally, the board game interaction allows for strategic blocking of opponents’ networks, which is not only important during the game but also crucial for endgame scoring.
🔄 Each session of Future Energy unfolds differently, influenced by the initial layout and players’ strategic decisions. This variability, along with the three included modules, greatly enhances the game’s depth and replayability. The game relies heavily on strategy, with little to no luck involved.
🌍 Beyond its entertainment value, Future Energy integrates important themes of sustainable energy and environmental management. This not only makes the game relevant but also educational, promoting awareness about these critical issues. Despite its engaging theme and deep strategic elements, the game maintains accessibility, making it an excellent choice for families and gamers looking for a balance between simplicity and depth.
👍 If you’re drawn to the theme of sustainable energy and enjoy strategic family games, Future Energy is definitely worth a try. It manages to be both accessible and engaging, offering a gaming experience that varies with the players’ skill levels.
📝 Please note that we received a review copy of Future Energy from the publisher of the Dutch version of the game, White Goblin Games.
