Supercharged

Supercharged is a game about motor racing in the 1930s for 1-5 players. The system allows for a full grid of cars — not just the players', but also privateers that ran alongside, and usually hindered, the factory teams. Each player controls two racing teams: one in the top category and another slower team unlikely to win, but capable of reaching the podium and ending in the money. That is important since the game's winner is based on money earned. Winning, though, is adjusted based on the level of cars a player selects, so taking the "best" cars may not be the optimal strategy for victory when the car ability bonus is applied. Gameplay is handled with a randomized team draw that determines player order in addition to generating random events; these events emphasize the dangerous and unreliable nature of 1920s and 1930s driving, courses, and early race technology. On a player's turn, cars move a certain number of spaces with the option of slipstreaming, "charging" (which permits multiple bonus spaces if clear track is ahead), and blocking (which can force trailing cars to spin out). The game takes 45-60 minutes to play a race, and games can be combined into a multi-race contest or even a full season if the players wish. Supercharged reworks the 1992 game Grand Prix Manager by the same designers. —description from publisher

Players: 1–5 best 4
Playing time: 45–75 min
Age: 8+
Complexity: 1.8 / 5