Power Grid is the economic simulation game that I return to when I want genuine market tension. The fuel market creates real supply-and-demand dynamics. The city network creates genuine geographic competition. The turn order system, where the leading player goes last, is one of the most effective catch-up mechanisms in economic games.

The game length is substantial — three hours for experienced players with four or five participants. The teach time is also meaningful because the fuel market is not immediately intuitive. But the payoff is an economic experience that feels more authentic than most games attempt.

For groups that want a lighter economic experience, Brass Birmingham is the recommendation. For groups that specifically want fuel-market tension and infrastructure economics, Power Grid has not been surpassed.