As a graphic designer, I'm always looking for engaging and visually appealing games to add to my collection. Recently, I've been diving into the world of trading games and have found some real gems. These games not only test your strategic skills but also provide a visually stunning experience. In this review, I'll be sharing my top picks for the best trading games out there.
If you're unfamiliar with trading games, they typically involve players buying and selling various assets, such as stocks, commodities, or real estate. The goal is to make the most profit by strategically buying low and selling high. While these games can be competitive, they also require a lot of critical thinking and planning. Without further ado, let's jump into my top picks.
1. Stockpile
Stockpile is a game that simulates the stock market in a fun and engaging way. The game is designed for 2-5 players and can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Players take on the role of stock market investors and compete to earn the most money by buying and selling stocks. The game comes with a variety of stocks, each with their own unique risks and rewards.
The Gameplay
At the beginning of each round, players receive insider information about which stocks will increase or decrease in value. They then take turns bidding on these stocks, trying to buy them at the lowest possible price. Once all the stocks are bought, players take turns selling them, trying to get the best price they can. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins.
The Visuals
Stockpile has a beautiful design, with colorful and detailed illustrations of the different stocks. The game also comes with a board that shows the stock market, making it easy to keep track of which stocks are increasing or decreasing in value. Overall, Stockpile is a great game for anyone who loves the stock market or wants to learn more about investing.
The Verdict
Overall, I highly recommend Stockpile for anyone looking for a fun and engaging trading game. The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master, and the visuals are stunning. It's a great game for both beginners and experienced traders alike.
2. Catan: Trade, Build, Settle
Catan is a classic board game that has been around since the 1990s. In the game, players take on the role of settlers on the island of Catan and compete to build the best settlements and cities. The game involves a lot of trading, as players must trade resources like wood, brick, and wheat in order to build their settlements.
The Gameplay
In Catan, players take turns rolling dice to determine which resources are produced each turn. They then use these resources to build settlements, roads, and cities. Players can also trade resources with each other in order to get the resources they need to build. The game is won by the first player to reach 10 victory points, which are earned by building settlements, cities, and other structures.
The Visuals
Catan has a charming and whimsical design, with colorful illustrations of the different resources and buildings. The game also comes with a large board that shows the island of Catan, which is divided into different regions that produce different resources. Overall, the visuals are simple but effective, and help to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.
The Verdict
Catan is a classic for a reason, and it's a great game for anyone who loves trading and building. The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master, and the visuals are charming and engaging. It's a great game for both beginners and experienced players alike.
3. Acquire
Acquire is a classic trading game that has been around since the 1960s. In the game, players take on the role of investors who are trying to build hotel chains and earn the most money.
The Gameplay
Players take turns buying and selling stocks in hotel chains, trying to build majority control of the chains. Once a player has majority control of a chain, they can merge it with another chain to create a larger hotel chain. Players earn money based on the size and profitability of their hotel chains. The game is won by the player who has the most money at the end of the game.
The Visuals
Acquire has a simple but elegant design, with colorful illustrations of the different hotel chains. The game also comes with a board that shows the stock market, making it easy to keep track of which stocks are increasing or decreasing in value. Overall, the visuals are effective and help to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.
The Verdict
Acquire is a classic game that has stood the test of time. The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master, and the visuals are simple but effective. It's a great game for anyone who loves trading or wants to learn more about investing.
4. Power Grid
Power Grid is a game that simulates the energy market, with players taking on the role of energy companies trying to power cities and earn the most money.
The Gameplay
In Power Grid, players take turns buying power plants and resources, trying to power the most cities and earn the most money. The game involves a lot of strategic planning, as players must balance their energy needs with their budget. The game is won by the player who can power the most cities and earn the most money.
The Visuals
Power Grid has a sleek and modern design, with detailed illustrations of the different power plants and resources. The game also comes with a board that shows the different cities and their energy needs, making it easy to keep track of which cities need to be powered. Overall, the visuals are effective and help to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.
The Verdict
Power Grid is a great game for anyone who loves strategy and planning. The gameplay is challenging but rewarding, and the visuals are sleek and modern. It's a great game for both beginners and experienced players alike.
5. Splendor
Splendor is a game that involves collecting and trading gemstones, with players trying to build the most impressive collection.
The Gameplay
In Splendor, players take turns collecting gemstones and using them to buy cards. The cards provide bonuses that can help players collect more gemstones or earn more victory points. The game is won by the player who has the most victory points at the end of the game.
The Visuals
Splendor has a beautiful design, with detailed illustrations of the different gemstones and cards. The game also comes with a board that shows the different cards and their costs, making it easy to keep track of what you need to buy. Overall, the visuals are stunning and help to create a visually appealing experience.
The Verdict
Splendor is a great game for anyone who loves collecting and trading. The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master, and the visuals are stunning. It's a great game for both beginners and experienced players alike.
In conclusion, these five trading games are some of the best out there. They all provide a fun and engaging experience, while also testing your strategic skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment. So why not give them a try?
| Game | Players | Gameplay Time |
| Stockpile | 2-5 | 45-60 minutes |
| Catan | 3-4 | 60-90 minutes |
| Acquire | 3-6 | 90 minutes |
| Power Grid | 2-6 | 120 minutes |
| Splendor | 2-4 | 30 minutes |