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GoTown (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

GoTown is a card game released in 2017 by designers Morten Bonavent and Alexander Bonavent. It is a strategic game for 2-4 players, with a recommended player count of 3. The game has a runtime of around 20 minutes and is suitable for players aged 6 and above. GoTown is categorized as a card game with a “Take That” mechanism, where players can sabotage each other’s plans.

Game Components of GoTown

  • Deck of floor cards (each with values from 1 to 8)
  • Wild cards (jokers)
  • Special cards (Dog, Bone, Jackhammer, Wrecking Ball, Thief, Milkshake/Food Truck)
  • Rulebook

    How To Setup GoTown

    To set up GoTown, each player starts with a hand of cards from the deck. The remaining cards are placed face down within reach of all players. The objective is to build a tower by collecting and playing floor cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Draw a Card:** Each player draws a card at the start of their turn.
  • Build a Floor:** Players can build a floor by playing cards that sum up to 9.
  • Steal a Floor:** A player can steal a floor card from another player’s tower by playing a complementary card.
  • Play Special Cards:**
    – Dog cards protect floors from being stolen.
    – Bone cards discard Dog cards.
    – Jackhammer and Wrecking Ball cards destroy opponents’ floors.
    – Thief cards steal cards from opponents’ hands.
    – Milkshake/Food Truck cards cause players to lose their turn.

  • Objective:** The first player to build a tower with five levels wins.

    Player Experience

    GoTown aims to deliver a quick and easy tower-building experience. The game is marked by its deco-style art and the clever mechanic of making pairs add up to nine. However, the gameplay can be highly dependent on the luck of card draws, leading to instances where players can do nothing but draw cards on their turn. This randomness can result in significant swings in gameplay, where a player can go from having one level to completing their tower in a single turn.

    Pros

  • Small Box:** Easy to pack and transport.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Lasts about 20 minutes.
  • Deco Art Style:** Quality art that supports the theme.
  • Simple to Learn:** Easy for players of all ages to understand.

    Cons

  • Gameplay Swings:** Highly dependent on luck of card draws, leading to inconsistent gameplay.
  • Limited Actions:** Players may find themselves unable to take actions due to card availability.
  • No Rules Text on Special Cards:** Requires frequent reference to the rulebook to understand card powers.

    Personal Thoughts on GoTown

    GoTown is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a quick, light-hearted game. However, it may not appeal to those seeking more strategic or consistent gameplay. The game’s small footprint and easy learning curve make it a good choice for travel or short gaming sessions, but its reliance on luck and lack of rules text on special cards are notable drawbacks. If you enjoy tower-building games with a touch of randomness, GoTown might be a fun addition to your collection, but if you prefer more predictable gameplay, you might want to look elsewhere.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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