The Networks

THE NETWORKS

When I am not playing board games or video games I watch a decent amount of TV. Not random but specific shows that I like season after season. I am the kind of viewer that the TV executives in The Networks would want. Although to be fair they want any and all the viewers.

In The Networks each players is in charge of a TV network and over the course of the 5 season game they will decide the programming for the all important evening line up. It's all about getting the right shows, the best actors and that sweet ad revenue to get you the most viewers (victory points).

Each round of The Networks is a season. In turn order players will pick from a variety of available TV shows, actors, ads and special action cards. Each turn you get a single action, with play being continuous until everyone drops out. You have to balance your money (actors and shows cost you money) with your income (from ads and a bonus, higher the earlier you drop out in around). Each TV show has a preferred time slot that will bring it the best viewers and as the seasons go by the number of views fluctuate. You can bolster a show by adding a star or two (if it allows), but they cost you more money. Maybe attach an ad to offset these costs? Or pick a special action card to give you a specific bonus when you most need it. It might just be time to put a show into reruns and make room for something new. 

There is a lot I like about The Networks. The core loop of mechanics, balancing your money to get the most viewers out of your expenditures versus the timing of when to pick a card before someone else gets it feels really great. There is a lot of open information in the game but because you only get a single action every time you do something you are putting of another opportunity that may not be around when it comes back to your turn. It is a good combination of resource management and pushing your luck. I do have an issue with going last on the first round in 4/5 player games as even though you get more money the number of opportunities is small enough you can end up a good 10 or more points behind that you have to hope you can make up in later rounds.

I also enjoy the art and style of the game. Each of the shows have a humorous name that is a pun or parody on an actual existing show from the last decade or so (some older more well know shows too). The actors all have generic descriptions but between that and the art you have a good idea of who they are parodying. Along with the card art it adds a nice bit of mirth to the game.

The Networks was a game that I bought almost entirely on hearing about its concept but like a new TV show I am happy to have tuned in.