Black Gold  (Reline)
Original title: Black Gold: Sabotage, Speculation and Strategy in the Oil Indust
Alternative title: Oil Imperium  (Europe)
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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US version.

Four oil companies (each of which can he human or computer controlled) do battle to dominate the lucrative oil industry, buying and selling oilfields around the world. You can choose one of four main goals, from topping the market in 3 years to total domination. Plenty of dirty tricks to help you are on offer, from setting fire to opponent's rigs to stealing the storage tanks which hold the oil in place. Private investigators can be hired to either prevent to prove these things.

Although primarily a strategy game, a few short action sequences are also included. These come into play when attempting to drill for oil (you can hire a specialist to do this instead, but the cost is prohibitive in the early stages), to build oil pipelines around those of your opponents, and to extinguish any fires opponents start on your rig.

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Description from the packaging:

Join the International Power Brokers... and guide your own company in a search for the world's most treasured resource - "Black Gold". Millions of dollars ride on each of your split-second decisions as you buy and sell oilfields, build pipelines, drill for oil and race to bury your competitors.

Sabotage a rival and protect your own assets in this intense simulation of life at the top of the oil industry.

Select each scenario: From a quick race for cash to a ruthless long-term battle for survival.

Match wits with the computer or compete with up to 3 friends in a heated confrontation.

Master exciting action sequences: Drilling, extinguishing fires and building pipelines.

Track your progress with newspaper headlines, telex messages and computer displays.

Buy oilfields, surveys and storage tanks, sign delivery contracts and monitor cash flow.

Your office serves as the communications center in this high-powered simulation.

Select the type and quantity of the storage tanks needed to hold the gushing black crude.

The geology of the drilling site affects your ability to reach the oil in one of the action sequences.

Search the globe for the most probable offshore and interior oilfield concessions.

Race the computer as you try to build a pipeline and bring your oil to market.

Hire an investigator to protect you from the competition or instigate a shady maneuver.
