Acquire Board Game 60th Anniversary Edition Review: Why This Classic Still Shines
Discover the Acquire Board Game 60th Anniversary Edition with its new features, gameplay, and why it remains a timeless classic.
The year 1964 was full of big moments. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, The Beatles arrived in New York City and changed music forever and Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics. But there’s another milestone from that year especially for board game lovers: the release of Acquire. This strategic game of hotel-building and investing has captured players’ attention for over six decades. In 2024, Renegade Games released a special 60th Anniversary Edition while the retail version came out in 2023.
Even though these editions bring new looks and features, heart of Acquire remains the same. It’s still the classic, competitive and clever game that has earned a place among the best board games of all time.
What Is Acquire?
The strategy board game Acquire is designed for two to six players. The primary objective is to establish hotel chains, purchase their stock, and use wise decision-making to maximize your profits. It can seem at first to be just another economic game. However, Acquire has maintained its appeal for more than 60 years due to its complex strategy and ease of learning, which attracts players.
When you play Acquire each person starts with a set of tiles. Every tile has a special grid coordinate written on it. On your turn, you place one tile on the board where it belongs. If you manage to connect two or more tiles, you start a hotel chain! As the founder of the chain you get a free share of its stock.
The excitement builds as your hotel chain grows bigger. The value of its stock goes up, which means it can bring you more money later. One of the best moments in the game happens when smaller hotel chains merge into larger ones. A big payoff may be yours if you made an early investment in the correct hotel! For this reason Acquire’s fundamental tactic is to “buy low and sell high.”
What makes Acquire truly special is the balance between luck and skill. Yes, you draw tiles randomly, so there is always an element of surprise. However, your choices — where to place your tiles, which hotel chains to invest in, and when to buy or sell your shares — matter a lot. Even with random tile draws smart decisions can lead you to victory.
Because of its balance, Acquire is well-liked by both casual and devoted gamers. This game was included in the World Series of Board Gaming championship because it had so much strategic depth.
What’s New in the 60th Anniversary Edition?
Renegade Games, known for breathing new life into classic games, has added exciting updates to the latest editions of Acquire. Most importantly, the gameplay remains faithful to the original. However, both the retail and 60th Anniversary versions include thoughtful additions that can freshen up your play.
One of the new features is Tycoon Mode, a variant rule that helps balance the game. In classic Acquire, when a hotel is acquired, only the top two shareholders earn bonuses. Tycoon Mode expands this, giving rewards to the third-largest investor too. This makes it easier for players who are behind to catch up, which is great for beginners or family game nights.
The 60th Anniversary Edition also includes special power cards that add new twists to the game. These cards offer powerful abilities like placing multiple tiles at once or gaining free stocks. While some players enjoy the excitement these cards bring, others find them too game-changing. Fortunately, these power cards are optional. If you prefer the classic experience, you can simply leave them out.
Differences Between the Retail and Anniversary Editions
The retail edition and the premium 60th Anniversary Edition share the same core gameplay. Both have the tiles, board, and stock cards needed to play. However, the Anniversary Edition includes a few upgrades that make it feel more special — though it does come at a higher price, around $50 more than the standard version.
Here’s what you get in the Anniversary Edition:
- Drawstring Tile Bag
Instead of placing tiles face down and flipping them during setup, you can draw them randomly from a high-quality bag. This small change speeds up the game and makes it feel more polished. - Removable Plastic Organizer
The premium edition includes a well-designed organizer that neatly stores share cards and hotel miniatures. The cards sit upright in individual grooves and have a plastic lid for easy storage. This setup keeps everything tidy and makes it faster to set up and play. - Poker Chips for Money
Instead of flimsy paper money, the Anniversary Edition uses sturdy poker chips. These chips feel satisfying to handle and add a bit of luxury to the game. Many players prefer chips over paper money for the ease of counting and the premium feel.
While these upgrades may seem minor, they greatly improve the play experience. The drawstring bag alone is a fantastic addition that smooths out gameplay. Even if you choose the retail version, consider adding your own bag for convenience!
Should You Buy the Anniversary Edition?
If you’re a long-time fan of Acquire or enjoy collecting special editions, the 60th Anniversary Edition is definitely worth considering. The upgraded components not only enhance the game’s aesthetics but also make it easier to play and store. The premium feel of the poker chips, the smart organizer, and the smooth tile-drawing system create a more enjoyable experience overall.
On the other hand, if you’re new to Acquire and want to try the game without spending extra, the retail version delivers the same strategic fun at a lower price. You’ll still get the core game that has kept players engaged for over 60 years.
Final Thoughts
Acquire is a timeless board game for good reason. Its combination of simple rules and deep strategy makes it accessible for beginners yet satisfying for experienced players. Whether you go for the standard retail edition or treat yourself to the 60th Anniversary Edition, you’ll enjoy a game filled with tense decisions, exciting mergers, and rewarding victories.
Renegade Games has done a great job of respecting Acquire‘s legacy while adding smart updates for modern players. If you enjoy classic games that test your planning and investment skills, Acquire deserves a spot on your shelf.
