Blackout: Hong Kong
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 150 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.5 / 5
- Year
- 2018
About the game
Blackout: Hong Kong is a heavy economic game by Alexander Pfister for 1-4 players set after a catastrophic citywide power outage. Players manage scarce resources and a growing network of specialists to restore order, drafting cards, building routes, and racing rivals to shape the city's recovery. A robust solo mode lets a single player tackle the challenge alone. Its deep interlocking systems of drafting, deck/bag building, and resource management reward careful long-term planning.
Hobbli's Notes
Blackout: Hong Kong is a dense, rewarding euro from a designer known for tightly interlocking systems, and the post-disaster theme gives its resource scarcity real narrative weight. The solo mode is well developed for players without a group. It's a demanding, long game that can overwhelm players not used to heavy euros, with a real learning curve before the strategic picture clicks. Best for experienced euro gamers looking for their next deep engine-builder.
What we like
- Deep, interlocking systems reward careful long-term planning.
- Strong solo mode for players without a regular group.
- Distinctive post-disaster theme adds thematic weight to resource scarcity.
- Designed by an acclaimed euro game designer with a track record of hits.
Keep in mind
- Long playtime and high complexity demand serious commitment.
- Steep learning curve for players new to heavy euro games.
- Dense rules overhead may slow down the first few plays.
Who it's for
Experienced euro gamers 14+ who enjoy deep resource-management and engine-building games, playable solo or with up to 4 players.
