Tesla vs. Edison: War of Currents

Worker placement, route building and stock speculation in the 1880s war between direct and alternating current.

Designer: Dirk Knemeyer
Published by: Artana
Editions by: Giochix.it

The 1880s, and the race to electrify the world: Tesla, Edison and three other inventors of the age fight over who history will remember. You lead a small crew of legendary figures, each rated in Invention, Engineering, Finance and Public Relations, and send them out each turn to research, commercialize or patent technology, or to sway public opinion about the inventors and about direct versus alternating current. You also choose where to put your money: DC is here now, AC pays off later. It mixes worker placement, route building and stock speculation into one 90-minute game that is best with four. Think of it as a history lesson with sharp elbows and a surprising amount of bluffing.

Legendary inventors rated in four skillsBet on DC today or AC tomorrowRoute building mixed with share dealing

Who it's for

You like economic games with a historical hook and some bluffing, and you want worker placement and stocks in one box for about four people.

Not for you if…

You want a calm, low-conflict build-up or an airtight historical simulation. The theme is a flavorful frame, and the rivalry is the point.

Vibe's take

Brisk and scheming. You juggle research, public image and money while watching what your rivals are patenting, and the AC-or-DC bet hangs over every turn.