The Great Tour: European Cities (2017) Board Game

The Great Tour: European Cities is a board game released in 2017 that allows players to travel across Europe, visiting famous cities and collecting souvenirs along the way. Designed by Joris van Beusekom and illustrated by Tactic, the game is suitable for 3–6 players aged 8 and above. It features network and route-building mechanics as well as open drafting.

Game Components of The Great Tour: European Cities

Tablero: The game includes a board featuring major European cities.

Mazos de cartas: Three decks of cards are part of the game.

Autobuses y peones: Bus and tourist tokens are included for player movement.

Tarjetas de destino: Destination cards outline the routes and tourist attractions.

How To Setup The Great Tour: European Cities

To set up the game, players first lay out the board, which displays a map of Europe with various city destinations. Each player selects a set of bus tokens and tourist tokens. The decks of cards are shuffled and distributed according to the rules. Players receive a starting hand of destination cards, which list specific tourist attractions and cities to visit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Route Building: Players build routes by moving their buses between cities.

Destination Completion: Players aim to complete their destination cards by visiting the required tourist attractions and cities.

Resource Management: Managing the hand of cards and tokens is crucial for strategic planning.

Objective: The goal is to transport tourists to the listed destinations, earning points for each completed route.

Player Experience

The Great Tour: European Cities offers a quick-playing and engaging experience for 3 to 6 players. The game is designed to be accessible, making it a great introduction to route-building games. Players embark on a whirlwind adventure through Europe, visiting iconic landmarks like La Scala in Milan and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to jump in.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 30-45 minutes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

Strategic Depth: Offers enough complexity for seasoned players to enjoy.

Cons

Limited Replayability: Some players might find the game too repetitive after multiple plays.

Luck Factor: Card draws can significantly influence gameplay, which might not appeal to everyone.

Personal Thoughts on The Great Tour: European Cities

This game is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those new to board games. It provides a fun and educational tour of European cities without being overly complex. For seasoned gamers, it might offer a lighter, more relaxed experience compared to more intricate route-building games. Overall, it’s a great addition to any game collection for its blend of simplicity and strategic play.

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