89

Power Grid is an economic strategy game where players represent power companies competing to supply the most cities with electricity. Players bid on power plants, buy resources to fuel them, and build networks to connect cities, with the winner being the player who can power the most cities when someone's network reaches a predetermined size.

89

The Verdict

based on 13 reviews

Positive 0%
Deep strategic gameplay with tense and meaningful decisions.
Excellent balancing and catch-up mechanics that keep the game competitive.
High player interaction through auctions and competition for resources.
Significant replayability, especially with numerous available expansion maps.
A unique and well-integrated blend of several game mechanics.
The game is math-heavy, which can lead to analysis paralysis and may not be enjoyable for all players.
The quality of the included paper money is frequently criticized.
It is possible for a player to make early mistakes that are difficult to recover from.
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Meeple Mountain, Andy MatthewsArticle

This review highly praises Power Grid as a masterful economic and resource management game, calling it a 'PhD thesis in board game form'. It emphasizes the game's enduring appeal over two decades due to its engaging mix of auctions, network building, and resource optimization.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Kotaku, Luke PlunkettArticle

The reviewer enthusiastically loved Power Grid, highlighting its engaging strategic depth, dynamic market, and challenging network expansion. They appreciated its constant need for adaptation and resource juggling.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board and GameArticle

Power Grid is praised as a brilliantly thematic, elegant, and deeply strategic economic board game featuring high tension and clever balancing mechanisms that remain engaging after a decade of play.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
3 Minute Board Games, 3 Minute Board GamesVideo

This video from 3 Minute Board Games provides a quick overview of the board game Power Grid. It highlights the game's strategic depth, player interaction through auctions and resource management, and its evolving market mechanics. The review praises the game for its significant decision space despite its dry appearance.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
BoardGameBollocks, BoardGameBollocksVideo

This video from BoardGameBollocks provides a critical evaluation of the physical board game Power Grid, discussing its mechanics and gameplay experience.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Roll To Review, David NorrisArticle

Power Grid offers deeply engaging economic gameplay and market simulation, though its heavy math and dry theme can lead to analysis paralysis.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Reviews by JoshArticle

The reviewer highly recommends the game, praising its catch-up mechanic for keeping it competitive and the auction system for strategic balance. These elements ensure a close, engaging game until the end.

83
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Play Board GamesArticle

Power Grid is an engaging and tense economic game featuring clever catch-up mechanics, though it can suffer from dry number-crunching and poorly written rules.

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Nerdly, Matthew SmailArticle

Power Grid Recharged remains a brilliant, logical, and highly replayable economic strategy classic, though its differences from the original release are very subtle.

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Boardgame Mechanics, JasonVideo

The Boardgame Mechanics provide a comprehensive review of the physical board game Power Grid, highlighting its strategic resource management, auction, and route-building mechanics. The reviewer highly recommends the game, appreciating its dynamic gameplay and solid components, although noting the rulebook could be improved.

80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Tabletop FamilyArticleTop List

Power Grid is a deeply strategic and engaging network-building game featuring auctions and resource management. Though it is too complex for younger children or casual players, it offers immense tactical depth for families who enjoy heavy strategic planning.

See list
80
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Nights Around A Table, RyanVideo

The reviewer praises Power Grid for its engaging strategic blocking, economic manipulation, and dynamic auction mechanics that keep the game competitive. However, the video notes drawbacks such as the game's outdated aesthetics, confusing iconography, and overly intricate mathematical calculations.

78
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Zen Of Design, Damion SchubertArticle

Power Grid is praised as one of the best and most tightly balanced Eurogames ever, featuring brilliant resource speculation and intense economic competition.

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