Today I finally played Kanban EV, a game that has been sitting at the top of my shelf of shame because it is the most expensive game I own, and y wanted to get to it. The game is known for being long and very heavy, so it is not suitable for quick sessions at the game club. Because of that, I arranged to play it with a couple of friends from the club on a day when we could dedicate enough time to it. Originally, I had planned to play it solo, but I never got around to it. Instead, I watched a full run-through and a rules video, and I even read the entire rule book carefully.
A lot is going on in this game, and I wanted to prepare as well as possible so I wouldn’t make mistakes. This is by far the heaviest game I have ever played, with a weight rating higher than four. The only other heavy game we played was Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory, which has a weight rating of 4.11. I don’t think we’ve played any other games that come close in complexity.
Discovering Vital Lacerda’s Design
Kanban EV was my first real dive into a Vital Lacerda game. That’s not completely true, as I own Mercado de Lisboa, but that one is currently on my for-sale pile. I had wanted to try one of his bigger, more involved games for a long time, and I finally chose Kanban EV because I already have a game about winning, and space themes don’t appeal to me. I almost backed Weather Machine, but thought it would be better to go for a proven title. Kanban EV is his second-highest-rated game and currently sits at number 54 in the rankings overall, so it seemed like a safe bet.
We played the game with three players, which I think was a good decision because the game took a very long time. The setup itself also took quite a while, as the game is ridiculously complex and involves many pieces and components. That said, once we got the hang of it, the gameplay was pretty straightforward. The game requires you to do a bit of everything to be successful.
Tackling “Mean Sandra” and Learning the Game
For my first game, I decided to use the “mean Sandra” variant. This was recommended for beginners, even though it felt a bit against my nature to play in such a punitive way. This meant all of us had to invest in training and banking shifts to avoid being heavily penalized by Sandra. However, after a while, Sandra’s impact on us was minimal, which made the game feel smoother.
I found the game quite thematic, though maybe not as immersive as I expected. I thought I would build many cars and focus on production, but in the end, I didn’t manage to build as many as I hoped. I even tried to build my strategy around a red car, but I didn’t get one at all by the end of the game.
One thing I liked was the ability to go to administration and perform any action you wanted. The meeting phase was a clever way to score common objectives and added an interesting strategic layer. There was quite a bit of interaction as players tried to block each other from scoring points, which added a competitive edge. Bonuses were everywhere, and practically every action gave some kind of bonus, making them integral to the game. Despite that, I mostly found myself picking up a few points here and there rather than big swings.
Game Components and Final Thoughts
The final scoring was close, with all of us scoring well over 100 points. The production values are excellent, with screen-printed wooden components and dual-layer player boards. The game comes in a huge box with a well-designed insert that keeps everything organized. The art style was good and clean, not distracting from the functionality of the board and components.
Overall, I think Kanban EV is a solid game, but it didn’t make me say “wow!” The problem with playing a highly rated game is that your expectations become very high. Of course, it’s impossible to fully judge such a complex game after just one playthrough, but I’m not sure if I will be able to fully dig into a game like this given how much time and energy it requires.
Understanding the Gameplay and Mechanics
After my first play of Kanban EV, I wanted to reflect more on the gameplay and the mechanics that make this game so unique and complex. The game focuses heavily on workflow management and resource allocation, all wrapped around the theme of electric vehicle manufacturing. It’s a game where every decision counts, and there is a constant balancing act between advancing your production lines, investing in research and development, and managing your workforce efficiently. The complexity arises because you must juggle all these aspects at once, which can be overwhelming at first but becomes satisfying as you start to understand the system.
The game is divided into several phases, including the assembly of cars, training workers, and attending meetings to score objectives. The flow of the game feels very realistic, with the way the different stations in the factory interact with each other. For example, if you don’t have enough trained staff, your production slows down, which impacts your final score. You also have to plan carefully for shifts and how to allocate workers across different departments. This level of detail immerses you in the theme of managing an electric vehicle company, even if the thematic flavor isn’t as strong as I initially expected.
One of the most interesting aspects is how you can perform any action at the administration office. This mechanic adds flexibility and strategic depth because you are not locked into specific turns to do certain things. The meeting phase, where common objectives are scored, introduces a nice group dynamic where you can try to block others or race to complete goals first. It forces you to keep an eye on your opponents and adapt your strategy, which adds to the competitive tension in the game.
Strategic Depth and Player Interaction
Kanban EV requires a lot of strategic thinking. There are many paths to victory, and no single strategy dominates the game. During my playthrough, I noticed that the bonuses scattered across the board are key to gaining an edge. These bonuses can be small point gains, extra resources, or special abilities that make your actions more efficient. While some bonuses seem minor, accumulating them consistently can lead to a significant advantage by the end of the game.
The player interaction is subtle but meaningful. You don’t directly attack other players, but through actions like blocking access to key areas or completing shared objectives first, you influence their progress. This indirect interaction makes the game feel more realistic and less confrontational, which fits the theme of competing car manufacturers trying to lead the market. It also means you have to pay close attention to what your opponents are doing and adjust your plans accordingly.
Components and Presentation
One of the highlights of Kanban EV is the quality of its components. The wooden pieces feel sturdy and satisfying to handle, while the dual-layer player boards help keep track of multiple resources and actions without clutter. The overall design is clean and functional, prioritizing ease of use over flashy art. This makes it easier to focus on the strategy without being distracted by overly decorative elements.
The game box is quite large, reflecting the scale of the game itself. The insert is well designed, allowing all components to be stored neatly and accessed quickly during setup. However, setting up still takes time because of the number of parts and cards involved. Despite this, the organization helps reduce frustration and keeps the game running smoothly once you begin.
Learning Curve and Replayability
Kanban EV has a steep learning curve, especially for players not used to heavy strategy games. My preparation helped a lot, but there were still moments of confusion as we navigated the rules and different phases. The rulebook is comprehensive but dense, requiring multiple reads and references during the first game. Watching videos and reading strategy guides in advance improved our experience.
Replayability is strong due to the multiple strategies available and the dynamic player interaction. No two games feel the same because the objectives and bonuses can vary, and player decisions have a big impact on how the game unfolds. However, because of the game’s length and complexity, it may not be something you play frequently unless you are dedicated to the genre.
Final Reflections on Kanban EV
Playing Kanban EV was a rewarding experience despite its challenges. The game offers a deep and detailed simulation of managing an electric vehicle company, with plenty of strategic options and meaningful player choices. While it didn’t blow me away on the first play, I can see its appeal to fans of heavy Euro-style games who enjoy long, thoughtful sessions.
The complexity and time investment mean that Kanban EV is best suited for groups who enjoy intricate planning and managing multiple resources simultaneously. It is not a casual game, but for those who like to dive deep into mechanics and strategy, it can be very satisfying.
I’m looking forward to future plays where I can explore different strategies and maybe play with different player counts. It will take time to master the nuances and unlock the full potential of the game, but that’s part of what makes it interesting.
Overall, Kanban EV stands as a solid entry into the world of heavy strategy gaming, especially for those interested in modern themes like electric vehicles and sustainable technology. It may not be perfect for every gaming group, but for the right players, it offers a rich and rewarding challenge.
Gameplay Complexity and Strategic Choices
Continuing my journey with Kanban EV, I found that the game’s complexity reveals itself more with each play. The initial setup, while time-consuming, prepares the table for a multifaceted experience where every decision can ripple through your entire strategy. The game’s emphasis on managing multiple workflows simultaneously means that players need to think several steps ahead. From allocating shifts and training workers to balancing production and research, each action affects other parts of the factory, making it crucial to maintain a cohesive plan.
What struck me most was the game’s demand for flexibility. While you may start with a particular strategy in mind, Kanban EV often forces you to adapt as new opportunities and challenges arise. For instance, securing certain bonuses or completing objectives sometimes requires changing your priorities, which can be difficult when you have invested heavily in one approach. This push and pull create a dynamic tension that keeps the gameplay engaging despite its weight.
The interaction between players adds another layer of depth. Although the competition is indirect, blocking or racing for shared goals can disrupt your plans and require quick adjustments. This aspect keeps players alert and encourages a watchful eye on opponents’ moves. There is also an element of timing involved, especially during meetings where objectives are scored and can influence the flow of the game significantly.
Thematic Elements and Immersion
Kanban EV has a clear theme centered around the production of electric vehicles, but the immersion level surprised me. Initially, I expected a deeply thematic experience, where the narrative of building and innovating cars would dominate. Instead, the theme plays more of a background role to the intense strategic planning required. However, the various game components and phases simulate the factory environment well, providing a satisfying sense of progression through the production line.
The decision to allow players to perform any action during the administration phase felt realistic. It reflected the flexibility a real manager might need in a complex operation. The meeting phase also reinforced the corporate atmosphere, with players negotiating and competing over objectives that represent real-world business goals. Although not highly narrative, these elements combined to create an authentic feeling of managing a growing company.
I also appreciated the emphasis on training and workforce management. Investing in worker skills to reduce penalties and increase efficiency was not only a key mechanic but also added thematic weight. It felt like a genuine part of running a company, where employee development impacts overall success.
Component Quality and Visual Design
The components continue to impress with their quality and design. Wooden pieces provide a tactile satisfaction that plastic tokens often lack, and the screen printing is clear and durable. The dual-layer player boards are a clever way to organize the numerous resources and actions without overwhelming players visually. Everything is designed to support the complex gameplay rather than distract from it.
The artwork is functional, opting for clarity and usability over elaborate illustrations. This choice fits well with the game’s tone, focusing on mechanics rather than visual storytelling. The large box and well-thought-out insert help keep the game organized, which is essential given the number of parts involved. Despite the initial setup time, the neat storage makes future sessions less daunting.
Challenges and Learning Curve
Kanban EV’s learning curve is steep, but manageable with preparation. My experience of watching playthroughs and studying the rules before playing paid off, reducing confusion during the game. The rulebook is detailed but dense, which means new players might feel overwhelmed without external resources or multiple readings.
One of the main challenges is balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy. The game rewards careful planning but punishes rigidity. Players must remain flexible and be ready to pivot when necessary. This dynamic can be daunting but also rewarding as it demands continuous assessment and adjustment.
The game length can also be a barrier. At three players, the playtime was considerable, and setup added to the overall commitment. This makes it less suitable for casual gaming nights but perfect for dedicated groups who enjoy deep strategic play and have the time to invest.
Replayability and Strategic Variety
The diversity of strategic options and player interaction contributes to Kanban EV’s replayability. Different objectives, bonus placements, and player choices ensure that no two games feel exactly alike. This variability encourages experimentation and helps keep the game fresh despite its complexity.
Exploring different approaches to production, research, and workforce management reveals new pathways to victory. Whether focusing on building a strong production line, investing heavily in training, or racing to complete shared goals first, players can find a strategy that fits their style. The indirect player interaction adds unpredictability, forcing players to remain adaptable.
In addition, varying the number of players changes the pacing and competitive dynamic. A solo or two-player game might be more manageable time-wise, but the tension created by three or more players enhances the experience. Future sessions with different groups and player counts will likely highlight these differences and offer fresh challenges.
Reflections and Final Impressions on Kanban EV
Kanban EV stands as a robust and intricate game that rewards patience, planning, and adaptability. It demands a lot from players in terms of time and mental investment, but delivers a satisfying strategic experience in return. While it may not provide the immersive thematic narrative some expect, it offers a rich simulation of managing a complex industrial operation.
For players who enjoy heavy strategy games with many moving parts, Kanban EV provides a rewarding challenge. The quality of components, combined with the depth of gameplay, makes it a standout title. However, it is best approached with realistic expectations and a willingness to invest in learning and multiple plays.
As I continue to explore this game, I am eager to test different strategies and deepen my understanding of its systems. Kanban EV may not be for everyone, but for those drawn to complex resource management and strategic planning, it is a compelling and engaging choice.
Understanding the Long-Term Appeal and Challenges
Kanban EV is a game that targets players who enjoy intricate strategy and deep planning. After multiple plays, the layers of complexity become more accessible, and what initially felt like a daunting task turns into a rewarding puzzle. The game’s structure encourages continuous optimization of production, workforce training, and strategic timing. It demands a strong focus on managing resources, as every action has a cost and benefit that can impact your overall progress. The challenge lies not only in executing your plan but in responding effectively to the moves of other players and shifting circumstances on the board.
What makes Kanban EV stand out is how it manages to combine various gameplay elements into a cohesive whole. The phases of the game—shifts, administration, meetings, and production—interlock to simulate the rhythm of running an electric vehicle factory. This cyclical flow of gameplay phases means players must think both tactically and strategically, balancing short-term gains with long-term objectives. Because the game is so demanding, it tends to reward players who take the time to learn its nuances and develop flexible strategies. Those who approach it with patience and an analytical mindset will find many opportunities to improve and refine their gameplay.
The role of Sandra as an automated element that applies penalties adds a layer of pressure to maintain a well-trained workforce and balanced production. While initially intimidating, this mechanism becomes manageable with investment in training and planning. It injects a real sense of urgency and risk management that fits well with the industrial theme. The way players collectively navigate these challenges creates a dynamic that is both competitive and collaborative, as everyone is affected by shared game mechanics but still pursuing their individual goals.
Balancing Complexity and Accessibility
One of the biggest challenges with Kanban EV is the barrier to entry. New players can easily feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of rules, components, and possible actions. The game requires a significant upfront investment in learning, which might limit its appeal to casual gamers or groups looking for quick, light entertainment. However, this is also what defines the game’s identity—it is a heavy euro-style game that demands attention and commitment.
The learning curve can be mitigated with preparation. Watching playthroughs, reading summaries, or playing solo to familiarize oneself with the flow can make the first multiplayer session much smoother. Still, it remains a game best suited for those who enjoy complexity and detailed strategic planning. The payoff for this investment is a highly satisfying experience where thoughtful decisions and adaptations determine the outcome.
The game’s components and design help support this complexity without overwhelming players visually. The organization of player boards and clear iconography reduces confusion and keeps the focus on decision-making. However, the length of the game and setup time remain significant factors to consider before choosing Kanban EV for a gaming session.
Kanban EV in the Context of Heavy Strategy Games
Kanban EV fits well within the niche of heavy strategy games that prioritize planning, resource management, and economic simulation. It shares similarities with other well-regarded games in this genre, but distinguishes itself through its unique theme and integration of workforce training and penalty management. Its place in the rankings reflects its appeal to dedicated hobbyists who appreciate depth and challenge.
Playing Kanban EV alongside other heavy games allows players to compare how different systems approach complexity and player interaction. Unlike some heavier games that may have long downtime between turns or overly complicated mechanics, Kanban EV manages to keep players engaged with simultaneous decisions and meaningful choices every round. The indirect competition and shared objectives foster a lively atmosphere without confrontation, which appeals to many strategic gamers.
The game’s thematic focus on electric vehicle production also adds a modern and relevant context, setting it apart from more traditional industrial or economic games. This connection to current global trends in manufacturing and sustainability gives the gameplay an extra layer of interest and realism.
Conclusion:
Kanban EV is not a game for everyone. It requires a serious commitment to learning, patience for long play sessions, and an appetite for detailed strategic planning. For players who thrive on complexity and enjoy managing multiple intertwined systems, it offers a rich and rewarding experience. The combination of worker training, production scheduling, and bonus objectives creates a dynamic environment where every decision counts.
The high quality of components and thoughtful design support the gameplay without distracting from it. The game’s flow encourages players to think critically and adapt to changing conditions, making each playthrough unique. While the theme may not fully immerse every player, the mechanisms effectively simulate the challenges of running a cutting-edge factory.
For groups willing to invest the time and effort, Kanban EV provides a challenging and satisfying strategy game. It offers opportunities to develop and test different approaches and encourages a high level of player interaction and competition through shared goals and penalties.
In summary, Kanban EV is a standout in the realm of heavy eurogames, combining complexity with solid production values and a contemporary theme. It demands respect and preparation, but rewards players with a deep and engaging strategic experience that can keep you coming back for more. Whether you are a seasoned eurogame enthusiast or looking to explore heavier games, Kanban EV is worth considering for your collection and gaming table.