I playtested my game yesterday for the first time. What a thrill. I got so much good feedback (and some bad) that I am more encouraged than ever to keep pushing it along. I have written a few posts about my game (working title "the Outfit") and I plan to put all the rules down into a journal soon (if that is the right location). Right now, I am looking to fix one major problem. (no laughing at my graphics)
The game is partly about building a criminal empire using square cardboard cutouts representing the building (not unlike Puerto Rico and many other games) on a board representing a city map. I am trying to cram a lot of information onto the little (1 3/4"x1 3/4") square. I need ideas about clarifying the information so you can glance at the board and understand the situation. Let me explain the data needed and wanted.
-Each player has their own set of 16 buildings which are used on the same board. I differentiate player by the color of the piece right now. This needs to be very clear as you need to know where other plaryers' buildings are at all times.
-Each building set consists of 16 buildings; 4 levels each of 4 varieties. Each of the 16 buildings has a differnet name which corresponds to the variety/level. I currently differentiate by a clipart logo for each variety, and numbers 1-4 to signify the level. This needs to be clear as your decisions are based on what you and what others already have. Note: sometimes a players boss represented by a playing piece is placed on top of a building, obscurring the center of the building.
-Each building has 3 potential incomes depending on how many players own similar buildings of the same variety/level combo. Every building has a standard income (top). If you have the only level 3 gambling establishment, ,your income is increased(lower right). If everyone has one, your income is decreased(lower left). Currently I have a reference sheet for each player. I think I want to have income on the counter ro reduce looking at a sheet and keep people looking at the board.
-Each building has a building cost as well as a "takeover" cost. It was suggested that those be on the building as well, ,but I think looking at a sheet is ok when planning what to do, but not as good during income phases.
The logo for each variety seems to be difficult to recognize at a glance. The 4 varieties are Gambling, Alcohol, Money Laundering, and Labor Unions. The levels are not easily recognizable either. I cannot vary size (with the exception of #4 which is a double block needing two adjacent blocks to build on). I wonder about patterns in addition to the colors. I thought about the shape of the building, but that adds significant complexity to making prototyes and publishing.
Any comments are appreciated.