Friday, March 04, 2022

#68: Downforce (Mark's Top 100 2022)


Downforce


  • rank: 371
  • rating: 7.3
  • published: 2017
Print Status
  • in print
Why It's On The List
  • The latest (and most player-friendly) version of Wolfgang Kramer's multi-decade run of card-based auto racing games... produced with class and panache by the team at Restoration Games.
Tips & Tricks:
    • Crazily enough, Downforce actually works at multiple player counts... I prefer 4 or 5 players, but it's playable at 2-3 and at 6.
    • Bidding wisely for your car(s) is important... which requires that you (a) properly assess the cards in your hand, and (b) be willing to pick up an 'extra' car cheap in any game with less than 6 players.
    • Betting is tricky - it's usually wise to bet on a car you can help scoot along - even if it isn't your car.
    • It's also a good idea to tank the early leader post first betting post... as you'll tank some early bets as well.
    Extras
    • I have owned 4 of the previous games in the series - the original (and non-auto racing) game, Tempo; Detroit-Cleveland Grand Prix; the excellent NASCAR themed Daytona 500; and the direct "father" game, Top Race.
    • My boys and I were playtesters for the Wild Ride expansion.
    • This is the first of three games on my countdown designed by Wolfgang Kramer... and ably assisted by Rob Daviau (in his second of eight designs in the 100) and Justin Jacobsen (in his second of three designs).

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