For starters, the game's manual is so well-written and comprehensive that you could read it as an introduction to economics without ever playing the game: it's chock full of simple-to-understand explanations of marginal costs, the Consumer Price Index, financial statements, and more. Understanding these concepts is key to winning the game that entails setting your production level and price where marginal costs equal marginal revenues, borrow funds when prime rates are low to expand, and minimize the cost per unit. You must also pay careful attention to the state of the economy and consumers' tastes, both of which change constantly. If you're unsure of what to do, your advisor in the game will guide you in the right direction.

It is amazing that Dani was able to program this complex game entirely in BASIC. Cartel$ & Cutthroat$ is, at its worst, a challenging economic simulation that's equally educational and entertaining. At its best, it's an epitome of devoted game design. Highly recommended.