Imperial @ Otk 9th Jan 09
Ξ January 28th, 2009 | → | ∇ Boardgames |
(pics courtesy of Boardgamecafe.net)
It’s the 1900s, and Imperialism is in full swing. Unbeknownst to the six great Imperial nations of mighty Europe, five great manipulators, puppeteers, shadowy secret society figures have step forth to steer the fates of the nations.
The mysterious jack208, master puppeteer and cameraman, invests in Russia, Austria-Hungary and Italy, reserving some cash and laying low for the opportune moment to strike.
Cunning wolfx, invests in Italy, France and controls Germany.
Wise crabzai, takes control of Italy and Russia to put some pressure on Austria-Hungary.
Mysterious blownfreaks, takes hold of Austria-Hungary and France.
while I, Imperial narrator, invests in Austria-Hungary, France and controls England.
The stage is set and the game begins. First order of the day: the Factory action. Probably a case of group think, but it is best to be conservative.
Next step: Production. Very predictable.
Ok, here’s where things start to get interesting. England skipped the first manuevering to go on a second production.
Although this seems like a good idea and the extra sea power seems effective in battling France and Germany, the fact is that England still can’t take on both countries at one go. Next time I will recommend to do a land factory as the 1st factory action.
jack208 did a hostile takeover and took over Austria-Hungary.
England did the first taxation followed by everybody else.
Austria-Hungary ended up ahead and profiting a very happy pirating jack208.
England goes on another production spree.
Followed by everyone else. It’s an arms race!
Italy took advantage of war between England and France to expand.
blownfreaks takes back Austria-Hungary, can he manage to use Austria-Hungary and France to get Italy under control?
England tries to maintain sea supremacy.
And tax ahead again!
However the taxation is too low, nobody gives England a second look. jack208 instead determines Italy to be the best investment and takes it under his control.
crabzai let go of Italy and consolidates on to Russia.
As blownfreaks was busy defending Austria-Hungary, I stole France from under his nose.
Which resulted in an economic and military cooperation between England and France.
Sadly the cooperation doesn’t give immediate benefits to France. In fact, France has to withold taxation to fend off Italy and Germany!
The final runup to the end. Both England and France are behind due to constant pressure from Germany and Italy.
This is me pondering my last move.
This game I did not do too good due to the fact that England wasn’t well invested for a quick payout. The Factory action also had to be skipped due to lack of funds. England ended dead last while France managed to end first through a last desperate move. However the move still wasn’t enough to win the game.
Austria-Hungary changed hands several times during the game but it was jack208 who made the most out of it from the taxation bonus. I also used Austria-Hungary in a final takeover to delay Italy’s final taxation and let France win. blownfreaks benefitted from this late French surge to power past an Italy-focused jack208.
Germany and Russia went relatively unchecked and helped wolfx and crabzai respectively to finish in a good position.
Which meant I was dead last! Oh well, at least I learned something to hatch better schemes for the next Imperial session.