Power Failure

Power Failure published by @GotGeniusGames (who purchased @Artanagames) and designed by Tao-Tao Chen, Yen-Lin Chen, Yu-Xuan Su, An-Qi Zheng is an interesting game I recently examined for potential use in the classroom. The premise of the game is to build energy plants (coal, gas, nuclear, and renewable) to power cities that earn victory points. Building power plants and activating them produces carbon emissions. The game features a clever “carbon stacking” mechanism - the stacking of small hexagonal wood blocks - to represent the balancing act between powering cities and the carbon emissions generated to do so. If the players produce too much carbon and the stack falls down, they are penalized and must begin the stack anew. In addition to the balancing mechanic, the game makes use of an open drafting/card market (to acquire resource and city cards) and action points (outlined on a convenient playing card-sized game mat).

Power Failure is designed for 2-4 players and lists a 45-minute playing time (though we completed our game in less than 30-minutes, a suitable length for classroom use). It is a light-sized game and easy to learn. This game could work as an interesting starting point for a lesson about carbon emissions and the production of power. Beyond some factoids printed on each card, I did find it science-lite. The game is engaging but probably works better as an activity rather than a meaningful games-based learning experience. A savvy educator could certainly find a way to use this game as a springboard for deeper study.