Review of the Acquire Board Game: 60th Anniversary Edition

The year 1964 was quite a whirlwind. Not only did President Lyndon B. Johnson ink the Civil Rights Act into law, and The Beatles famously landed in New York City, but Tokyo also hosted the Olympics. Amidst all this, another event of significance occurred for board game enthusiasts: the broad release of Acquire, a strategic hotel-building game. Fast forward over six decades, and this classic favorite sees a revival under Renegade Games, who are set to launch two new editions—one for retail in 2023 and a deluxe 60th Anniversary Edition in 2024. While these revamps come with updated aesthetics, the timeless gameplay, which has kept Acquire a beloved classic on board game shelves, remains as enthralling as ever.

Engaging players from two to six in a dynamic tug-of-war of strategic investments, Acquire invites participants to lay tiles, initiate hotel chains, and purchase shares, all in pursuit of maximizing their financial returns. While the concept may seem low-key compared to other flashy games on the market, Acquire has endured for a reason. It’s not only accessible but also deceptively strategic, which is why it even featured in last year’s World Series of Board Gaming.

During their turn, players draw a tile marked with a grid coordinate and place it on the board in the corresponding space. If this placement connects tiles to form a hotel, the individual forming it gets a stake in its stock. Naturally, as a hotel expands, its stock value rises, promising substantial rewards when a merger happens. Essentially, the key strategy is to smartly buy low and sell high.

The latest releases from Renegade Games introduce an intriguing new rule variant called Tycoon Mode, offering a better chance for those lagging behind to catch up. Traditionally, in Classic Mode, only the top two investors of a hotel chain—those holding the most shares—benefit from its acquisition. But Tycoon Mode extends this benefit to a third player. Even though I lean towards the classic approach, it’s a thoughtful addition that eases new players into the rhythm of the game.

The 60th Anniversary Edition also includes unique power cards that further spice up the gameplay. These cards yield substantial bonuses, like laying down more tiles or acquiring stocks at no cost. However, I found these cards to be too overpowering, altering the game dynamics more dramatically than I prefer. After just one round, I haven’t returned to using them, but much like Tycoon Mode, they’re optional—and worth trying if you’re curious.

So, what sets the standard retail edition apart from the Anniversary Edition, given the $50 difference? Well, most components—tiles, boards, and standard cards—are consistent between both. The exception lies in the extra touches exclusive to the premium version.

The deluxe edition justifies the investment with three significant enhancements: a drawstring bag for selecting tiles, a removable insert that neatly organizes share cards and hotel models, and sturdy poker chips replacing flimsy paper money.

On the surface, these upgrades might seem minor, or even unnecessary. Yet they notably elevate the gameplay experience. The bag simplifies tile selection, eliminating the hassle of manually flipping them during setup. This smoother flow makes opting for a bag indispensable if you only have the base edition.

Furthermore, the redesigned plastic organizer in the Anniversary Edition is nothing short of practical. It features separate compartments with a lid for the share cards, allowing them to stand upright along with hotel miniatures, saving valuable table space. While the base edition’s organizer spans the box’s entire size, it takes up more room on your table, so separating the cards might be a more convenient choice for many players.

The cosmetic upgrade of swapping paper currency for poker chips is the icing on the cake. Personally, I’m not a fan of paper money in games—it feels outdated—so this change is especially welcome. The tactile satisfaction of handling these weighted chips is unmatched, making every financial decision feel much more rewarding. The sound they make? Immensely satisfying.

Interested in picking up one of these editions? The 60th Anniversary version carries a MSRP of $99.99, while the standard edition is priced at $49.99. If strategy board games pique your interest, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss these editions of Acquire.