Power Grid is the updated release of the Friedemann Friese crayon game Funkenschlag. It removes the crayon aspect from network building in the original edition, while retaining the fluctuating commodities market like Crude: The Oil Game and an auction round intensity reminiscent of The Princes of Florence. The objective of Power Grid is to supply the most cities with power when someone's network gains a predetermined size. In this new edition, players mark pre-existing routes between cities for connection, and then bid against each other to purchase the power plants that they use to power their cities. However, as plants are purchased, newer, more efficient plants become available, so by merely purchasing, you're potentially allowing others access to superior equipment. Additionally, players must acquire the raw materials (coal, oil, garbage, and uranium) needed to power said plants (except for the 'renewable' windfarm/ solar plants, which require no fuel), making it a constant struggle to upgrade your plants for maximum efficiency while still retaining enough wealth to quickly expand your network to get the cheapest routes. 

Video review: YOUTUBE

AWARDS & HONORS

2010 Nederlandse Spellenprijs Winner

2010 Japan Boardgame Prize Voters' Selection Nominee

2010 Gouden Ludo Winner

2009 Juego del Año Finalist

2008 Ludoteca Ideale Official Selection

2008 Lucca Games Best Game Mechanics

<>2008 Lucca Games Best Boardgame

2007 Gra Roku Game of the Year

2005 Spiel des Jahres Recommended

2004 Tric Trac d'Argent<

2004 Meeples' Choice Award

2004 International Gamers Awards - General Strategy; Multi-player Nominee