Black Friday - Black Friday, Trefl, 2022 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Black Friday - Black Friday, Trefl, 2022 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  1. Black Friday - Black Friday, Trefl, 2022 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  2. Black Friday - Black Friday, Trefl, 2022 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Black Friday Review

Black Friday beautifully captures the chaotic nature of stock markets. With dynamic mechanics and strategic depth, it's a game that keeps you on your toes. Just be prepared for a wild, fun ride!
  • Gameplay mechanics
  • Game balance
  • Replayability
  • Fun factor
4/5Overall Score

Black Friday is a stock market game with chaotic dynamics, strategic depth, and endless replayability. A fun, wild ride!

Specs
  • Number of players: 2-5
  • Playing Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 12+
  • Designer: Friedemann Friese
  • Publisher: Rio Grande Games
  • Year published: 2010
  • Genre: Economic, Strategy
Pros
  • Dynamic market mechanics
  • Strategic gameplay depth
  • High replayability
  • Clean components
Cons
  • Luck affects gameplay
  • Complexity can overwhelm
  • Lengthy setup time
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Hey fellow board gamers! Today we’re reviewing Black Friday, a stock market chaos game that had my friends and me on the edge of our seats. From frantic buying and selling to strategic maneuvers, this game promises a wild ride. But does it deliver? Let’s find out if it’s worth your precious game night!

How It Plays

Setting Up

To start, everyone grabs a player board and some starting cash. Lay out the main board and distribute stock market cards. Pop the black market and warehouses on the side. Ready to rock!

Gameplay

Everyone takes turns buying and selling stocks, manipulating the market, and hoarding goods. It’s like an intense shopping spree on steroids! Watch out for the black market though. It’s shady, but oh so tempting. Keep an eye on supply and demand to make those sweet profits.

Winning the Game

Game ends when the black market is dry or after a set number of rounds. Count up your cash and assets. The richest player wins! Bragging rights included.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Black Friday.

Understanding the Gameplay Mechanics of Black Friday

Alright folks, let’s talk about the mechanics in Black Friday. Imagine you’re an eager beaver stock trader, all set to conquer Wall Street. The game isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s a thrilling rollercoaster with highs, lows, and some hairpin turns!

The board is divided into sections like the stock market, warehouses, and the black market. Each turn, you get to decide whether to buy stocks, sell them, or stash them away in your warehouse. It sounds simple, right? But hold your horses! There’s a twist. The stock prices fluctuate based on market crashes and booms, and this adds a layer of strategy that’s as thick as my aunt’s Thanksgiving gravy.

One unique mechanic is the supply and demand system. The market isn’t static; it’s like a living, breathing beast. If everyone buys up silver coins, the price goes through the roof. If nobody wants to touch gold with a ten-foot pole, its value plummets. It’s a constant tug of war and you’ve got to outthink your pals.

Another nifty feature is the black market. It offers a sneaky way to dump stocks quickly but at a cost. Use it wisely or you might end up like me, regretting that time I sold my vintage comic book collection for pennies!

Overall, the gameplay mechanics in Black Friday offer a rich experience that keeps you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the game throws a curveball your way.

Next up, we’ll chat about the game balance and see if it’s as fair as a coin toss in a Vegas casino!

Black Friday - Black Friday, Trefl, 2022 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Game Balance in Black Friday

Let’s talk balance in Black Friday, buddies! You know that feeling when you think you’ve got the game down, only to be blindsided by Lady Luck? Yeah, that’s not fun. Thankfully, Black Friday keeps that nonsense in check—mostly.

The game’s design cleverly balances strategy and a bit of luck. Imagine orchestrating a delicate dance of stock market madness and penny-pinching resource management. The game’s economy can crash at the drop of a hat, but it’s not just about random chance. Making smart investments in warehouses or black market can turn the tide.

However, let’s talk about when the scales tip a bit too much. The game does lean a bit heavily on those who can predict the market trends better. If you’re a clairvoyant, you might have the upper hand. But hey, if you’re more like me—winging it half the time—you might find yourself struggling occasionally. So, while I love the competitive edge, it sometimes feels a bit unbalanced for newer players who haven’t mastered the stock market nuance.

On the flip side, the randomness in market cards and events keeps things exciting. It stops the game from becoming a predictable snooze fest. Just remember, it’s a balancing act—a ballet of brainpower and a sprinkle of luck.

Up next, let’s dive into the wild world of Replayability. Will you come back for more, or is one Black Friday enough? Stay tuned!

Replayability: Will Black Friday Keep You Coming Back?

Ah, the elusive replayability factor! It’s like hunting for the last slice of pizza at a party. So, does Black Friday hold up after multiple playthroughs? Well, let’s find out.

One thing that keeps me coming back to Black Friday is its dynamic market mechanic. It’s like watching a soap opera with unexpected twists and turns. The stock market fluctuates with every game, so no two sessions are the same. One day you’re rolling in wealth, the next you’re scraping pennies.

Another factor is the strategic depth. Each decision you make can send ripples throughout the game. Do you invest in gold mines or focus on cornering the coal market? These choices keep the game fresh and engaging.

Different set-ups and player strategies also contribute to replayability. Altering your approach based on past experiences keeps you on your toes. One of my friends, Jane, thought she was a stock market guru after winning once. Let’s just say she was humbled in the next game with her overconfidence!

Then there are the expansions and house rules. Adding these can turn Black Friday into a whole new beast. If the base game starts feeling repetitive, a new rule or expansion can spice things up like a dash of hot sauce.

All this makes Black Friday a game you can play again and again without it gathering dust on your shelf. Up next, let’s chat about the fun factor – because what’s a game night without some laughs?

The Fun Factor: Is Black Friday a Blast?

Let’s chat about the fun factor in Black Friday. First off, imagine you’re at a stock market, but it’s not just a market—it’s a wild ride! This game is all about buying low and selling high. But wait, there’s more! You also get to manipulate the market in sneaky ways. It’s like becoming a business mogul for a night, minus the billion-dollar losses.

I played this game with my friends, and let me tell you, it was a hoot. We had tons of laughs, especially when someone made a risky move that totally backfired. You know those moments when you think you’re a genius, but the universe has other plans? Yeah, those moments. Black Friday is chock-full of them. There’s something satisfying about seeing your friend’s face when they get outsmarted—no hard feelings, of course!

One cool thing is how the game keeps everyone on their toes. You can’t just sit back and relax. The market is always changing, and so are your strategies. Plus, the game doesn’t take forever. You can get a solid session in under two hours, which is perfect for a weeknight.

The components are well-made and nice to look at. The game board and cards have a clean, professional look, but it’s not just about appearances. Everything feels good to handle, which somehow makes the game even more enjoyable. Weird, I know, but true.

So, do I recommend Black Friday? Absolutely! If you love strategy games with a healthy dose of chaos and fun, this one’s for you. Just be ready for some unexpected twists and a lot of laughs.

Conclusion

Black Friday is a wild ride through the stock market with lots of laughs and strategic depth. While it can be a bit chaotic, its dynamic market mechanics and strategic play keep things fresh. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gamer, you’ll find something to enjoy. Just remember, those uncontrollable market swings can be both a blessing and a curse. With its solid components and engaging gameplay, Black Friday is worth a shot. And that concludes my review. Now go out there and dominate that market!

4/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.