Power
Play
Theme:
Rowdy
hi-jinks on the ice.
Company:
Amigo
Type:
Card
#
of Players: 2 - 7 (the more the better)
Game
Rating: 
Ken
Says: Power Play is a simple, yet enjoyable romp that covers
the (un)real world of hockey. Each player draws six cards total from three
different decks. That is, three forwards, two defensemen, and one goalie.
Each card contains a nicely illustrated player and a number in the upper
left and right. The higher the number, the more he/she (or it) is likely
to score.
You
may chose one of three options each turn.
1)
Draft: Discard of your cards to the bottom of the appropriate deck and
draw the top one.
2)
Trade: Pick one card at random from any player and give back another card
of the same type.
3)
Play a Game: Challenge one player to a game. Stack your cards in any order
you wish. Once the game begins you cannot change the order of the cards.
The game begins with each player turning over the top card. If either of
them are forwards or defensemen, the higher number scores a point. If both
numbers are the same, no one scores. If one is a goalie, no one scores
(there is one exception). If both are goalies, the higher number scores.
If one of the defensemen is a bruiser (noted by a colored square around
the card) then the other player is injured. If both are bruisers, no one
is injured. Regardless of who is injured, the higher number still scores.
After six cards are played, the player with the highest score wins. If
both are tied, a "sudden death" match is played. Sudden Death is played
exactly like a regular game except the first player to score wins.
Some
players have special abilities. Most notable is Willie Winzig, a defenseman
who can score against all goalies and the Troll. Another is The Superstar,
who has the highest number in the game.
After
one player amasses nine victories, the playoffs begin. The format is up
to the players. Whether it's only the top two finishers who play a best
of seven. Or all players can compete (#1 plays #6, #2 plays #5, etc.).
The one who wins the playoffs wins the game.
If
this sounds similar to the Avalon Hill game Slapshot, you're correct. In
fact, most of the characters from Slapshot appear on the cards. However,
Power Play does not have the board (to keep track of the standings &
hold the cards) or a score sheet. Unlike Slapshot, there is a variant in
Power Play where all the cards are divided into seven teams. There is no
trading or drafting, otherwise it plays the same.
Pros: For such a simple game, Power Play is a real winner. While luck definitely plays a factor, it can be partially overcome with good observational skills and the right trades. In fact, my favorite part of Power Play is managing to score with Willie against a goalie. This leads to some loud cheering and Sports Illustrated-like posing on my part. This is definitely a great choice for any gaming group. I highly recommend it.
Cons: None, really. Power Play does exactly what it sets out to do, be a light, fun game.
Tips
For those who want their hockey any way
they can get it;
- Watch your opponents games carefully. Try to find a pattern to how they stack their players in a game. This can be valuable when you play them. Conversly, try to mix up how you place your players in a game.
- Your opinion of "Willie" depends on how "lucky" you feel. I find him to be a valuable assest, you may decide differently.
- In our league, we instituted a limit to how many trades or drafts a manager can take. This had a positive effect on the game since it imposed a time limit. Otherwise, trading 'n drafting can drag out a game forever.
Addendum: Based on the game Phantoms of the Ice (1975), also remade as Slapshot.
