Submitted by Ray D. Smith

"The Test of Innovative Prototype Vehicles" is the subtitle of Edison & Co., a high quality board game where two to four players compete by optimizing card play in an attempt to maneuver unique cars toward gaining points.

The major components consist of a mounted game board showing an oval race track with changeable scoring spaces, four identical sets of maneuver cards, and four cast metal vehicles. All components and graphics are first rate with a nice art deco motif. The well-illustrated seven pages of English translated rules by Rio Grande have a couple fuzzy areas, but nothing that players can't decipher.

First and foremost is that this is not a racing game! Yes, it has a race track, but it's really just a playing surface in the shape of a race track. A turn consists of a player showing either a direction card (forward or reverse), a speed card (one to six spaces), or vehicle card (showing two of the four vehicles) with the following player actually getting the choice of which of the two vehicles to move. This card play is most reminiscent of playing bridge or pinochle: Determining which suit (in this case, direction, speed, and vehicle) will bring the most points, but only being able to control one-quarter of the outcome.

Scoring is determined by which space on the racetrack the vehicles are on during scoring turns. The four player team play version is the best, with each reduction in number of players decreasing its play value.

Edison & Co. is a delightfully unique and fun way to while away 90 minutes of your gaming time. If you like interactive strategic card play, this game is for you. Besides, when was the last time you got to drive a Zeppelin Car or Turbine Yacht?