Ransom (1994)

About this game

This game comes inside what looks like a video tape case, which is definitely odd for a board game. Inside the package are cards for properties on Manhattan island, workers, building materials, and building contracts. Each turn, players turn over a card and either purchase it outright or auction it to the group. But when the contracts get bought, players will need to negotiate a deal, because it's very difficult to build a decent sized building on your own. The deal making is vicious and cutthroat, ergo the name. The 1995 edition features rules in English, Japanese, German, Spanish and French (see the Tidwell review).

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 1.6/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.