Black Gold

Game review

Black Gold offers players a unique and immersive experience in the coal mining industry. Designed for up to 4 players, this game sets itself apart from reLINE's title by focusing on the hands-on management and expansion of a coal mining operation. Set in the early 20th century, specifically from 1900 to 1933, Black Gold challenges players to build and grow their coal empire over time. Each round in the game represents a month in real-time, pushing players to make strategic decisions and manage their resources effectively to succeed in the competitive world of coal mining.

At the start of the game, players are given a modest sum of money. This initial capital is crucial for purchasing workers and materials essential for kick-starting their coal mining ventures. As players progress, they must invest wisely in labor and equipment to expand their operations and increase their coal production.

The game offers three difficulty levels (easy, normal, and hard), allowing players of various skill levels to enjoy the game at a pace that suits them. Additionally, Black Gold provides several objectives for players to strive for, including reaching a predetermined cash or coal limit, or playing for a chosen number of months. These goals add to the game's replayability and challenge players to tailor their strategies to different end-game conditions.

One of the unique aspects of Black Gold is the range of strategies available to players. Besides focusing on their own mine's productivity and efficiency, players can engage in sabotage against competitors. This includes causing mine disasters, demoralizing workers, and other underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. These elements introduce an intriguing layer of competitive strategy, where players must balance their own operation's growth with efforts to impede their rivals' progress.