Even though this is my third game I think it is becoming my favorite game. This game is so well designed and balanced. The mechanics in this game all tie up well with the theme it is simply amazing.

First, there is the bidding phase. This is the core of the game and while this looks simple but in fact it is not. There are so many things you need to consider and ask yourself during this phase. Should I bid on it? How much is it worth to me? or other players? Which plant is coming out? Should I bait someone into buying this plant that I don't really want? If I get this plant, what will be my next turn's order(if we will be having the same cities)? Are the resources for this plant cheap now? Who is sharing the same resource with me if I get this plant? How long will this plant last before I need to upgrade? Simply put, this phase is an art.

Then there is the buying resource phase. People that are good in math will have an advantage in this phase because you are looking for the cheapest resources that can power all your cities. This is easier said than done because you don't exact know how many cities you will have since this phase takes place before the city building phase. If you're building first then it will be easier for you to see how many cities you will have but if you are not then you have to predict if your opponents will block you off and estimate accordingly. This phase is all about seeing the future.

Now comes the city building phase where an area control mechanic is enforced. If you're going first, you should always try to block your opponents. If you're being blocked, you better spend a little more money and get out especially during Step 1 if you see that you cannot build 7 cities. Even though going first obviously has more advantages, going last sometimes benefit you too because you know exactly how many cities each player has and you may be able to decide the turn order for next round.

I won't go over the last phase because there isn't much to talk about. The only strategy might be to choose not to power all your plants but I have yet to go that route where it might put me into a better position.

Finally, I want to talk about the anti-snowball effect of this game. This game punishes the leaders and awards the trailers. I really love this because it keeps the game close. It is so rewarding to put yourself in last place yet in a way you're winning the game. My opponents seems to have more cities and more advanced plants(doesn't mean more cost-efficient though) but yet I am winning because I am spending less money in resources and has betting building positions. And at the right time just go for the killing instinct. Just go all out and go for the win.