Venture

Venture is an adaptation of the boardgame Acquire. Acquire is perhaps one of the most overlooked gems among the boardgaming community. Many wonder why it doesn't rank up there with Monopoly. I can see why there would be an adaptation sooner or later. The object is to find the balance between starting businesses, buying stock, and merging businesses. There are various strategies: hold on to a merged stock in hopes of having a jump start on your opponents if it ever starts up again, sell stock, or trade merged stock 2:1. The graphics are from a frontal isometric view, and the user interface is pleasantly easy. The demo version has four businesses locked out, perhaps the more prestigious, expensive ones. The graphics are somewhat retro, and the sound is minimal. Still, I was pleasantly surprised at this adaptation of a phenomenal boardgame. For $10, the cost of a movie, one can have just as much fun, perhaps even more so! I only wish there was an easier way of finding other players online.

I noticed how often the company mentions "Aquire" on their website--there's a reason for this: it's a copy of the boardgame Aquire! I love the board game Aquire, and this seems to be a computer adaptation of it. I'm reluctant to download it as Aquire is by far one of my favorite boardgames!

It's fun to play and seems fairly stable. It is possible to "freeze" the game if no valid moves are possible; there should be a way to pass on your turn. Also, some erratic play (in the demo version) -- companies all of a sudden pop up randomly in other areas of the board. Incidentally, "safty" should be "safety".

The rules are simple, but learning how to play *well* is a challenge. It's a fun game -- a good way to waste a couple hours. It would be better if two players could take turns on the same computer.