Copper Country: A Unique Board Game Set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Andrew Norton
Ah, that headline doesn't really do this game justice. Copper Country is an incredible looking board game set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, well the Keewenaw Peninsula to be precise. The game is designed by two Yoopers, David Lankton and Scott Diehl.
The year is 1840 and America's first mining boom is about to change Michigan's Upper Peninsula forever. Take on the role of a mining company and compete for copper by casting miners and machines into the underground lottery.
As the industry grows, so do the communities surrounding your mines. But every attempt to wrest copper from the ground hangs the fortunes of your company, and the lives of your miners, in the balance.
Life, Work, Profit, Death: Copper Country.
The passion these two guys have in seeing this game become a reality is evident throughout the presentation and look of Copper Country. David's dad, Larry Lankton, taught Copper Country history at Michigan Tech University in addition to researching and writing books on the subject. He passed that love of the area's history to his son and he, in turn, is attempting to pass it along through his love of board games.
I've pored over the Kickstarter page, looked over the game components, and studied how the game plays out. I have to say, this is probably the best looking and well thought out board game project I have seen on Kickstarter. This game looks like it is ready to go - the guys just need funding to get it printed and shipped.
I collect and play a large number of board games and it's funny, but just this week I was trying to dream up (while building a bunch of our great gift baskets) a board game set in Michigan. Then, I happened to stumble upon Copper Country last night.
What a coincidence, eh?
Copper Country knocks it out of the park with its theme, artwork, and gameplay. I can't wait to add this to my collection and get it into our game night rotation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVay4yg33TM
And another review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTMUhEXBgBU#t=947
I can't wait for this game! Check out their Kickstarter and see for yourself.
Want to see a runthrough of the game? Grab a Pasty, sit down, and watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzAB0Uu0Nl8
I already have ideas for creating a gift basket based around this game. Yep, you could say I'm a little bit excited to see this get funded!
Say Ya to Copper Country, eh!