A thematically appropriate game tip with expansions
The weather brings it with it: it rains, it pours, it pours. While the water comes from above outside, we bring it to the game table – as the central resource in one of the most thematically strong expert games of recent years: Barrage.
What is Barrage?
Barrage (in German: Wasserkraft) is a complex Eurogame that revolves around energy production through water. In an alternative past – stylistically reminiscent of the 1920s – international corporations fight for supremacy in power generation. Instead of oil or coal, everything here revolves around dams, pipes, turbines and above all: the flow of water.
The heart of the game is the innovative construction wheel, which does not return actions immediately – resources remain tied up for several rounds. This requires forward planning and good coordination. Who builds where determines where the water flows – and whether your opponent still has any of it. If you build cleverly, you can fulfill lucrative contracts and collect points for sustainable energy production.
The game shines with its depth, high level of interaction and thematic density – and becomes even more varied with the available expansions.
The expansions at a glance
🌍The Leeghwater project
This expansion not only brings new nations and engineers to the game, but also another central element: the personal building tableau. Players can now upgrade and specialize their own structures.
Also new is Iris Leeghwater, a historical figure who expands the game with additional special actions. This makes individual development even more strategic – ideal for experienced groups of players.
Special features:
- More variety through new nations & special effects
- Extended action options
- Compatible with 4 and 5 players
🌄 The Colorado Connection
The newer expansion Colorado Connection adds a new game board to the game – the river system of the US state of Colorado. This board has a completely different layout: instead of vertical waterways, the water flows horizontally from left to right.
This has a huge impact on the way the game is played. Dams and power plants have to be rethought, and the timing of water movement changes fundamentally. The Colorado map is tighter and more confrontational, as the building sites are more central and block each other more quickly.
Also included: new special tiles for power plants that open up additional options late in the game – perfect for experienced players.
Special features:
- New game board with horizontal flow system
- Tighter building sites, more direct competition
- Fresh strategy change for frequent players
More competition, more blockades, more excitement: this expansion makes it possible to play Barrage with up to five people. This makes things even tighter on the building plan, the competition for water and space increases – but the gameplay also becomes more intense. Perfect for large game rounds or multi-player groups.
Special features:
- New game material for the fifth person
- Additional engineers, markers and resources
- Works with the main game and the other expansions
Our conclusion: Thematically strong, strategically challenging
Barrage is a game that impresses with its depth, interaction and theme even in the basic game. The expansions such as the Leeghwater Project and Colorado Connection make it even more varied and challenging. The new Colorado board in particular brings a breath of fresh air to the water game and provides exciting new dynamics.
And let’s be honest: if it’s constantly raining outside, why not finally make good use of the water inside?
Barrage from Feuerland
Barrage is an epic strategy game. Up to four players deploy their workers over 5 rounds to build a network of dams, pipelines and turbine houses on the game board to generate the most energy and fulfill the most profitable supply contracts.