Between Two Cities (2015) Board Game

Between Two Cities is a board game designed by Matthew O’Malley and Ben Rosset, and published by Stonemaier Games in in 2015. The game combines elements of city building and negotiation, challenging players to work together to build two cities simultaneously. With its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging player interactions, Between Two Cities has become a popular choice among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Between Two Cities

1 box (296x296x70mm)

2 rulebooks (multiplayer and solo)

129 building tiles

24 duplex tiles

7 city tokens

7 landscape mats

1 scorepad

7 district cards and 3 tiles

20+ Automa solo components.

How To Setup Between Two Cities

To set up the game, players first arrange themselves based on a randomly drawn card from a deck of fifteen, which can dictate seating by various criteria such as birthdays or the length of their hair. The duplex tiles are shuffled and placed face down on the table, while the singlet tiles are shuffled and placed face down in the box. Each player then draws a hand of tiles to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Tile Drafting: Players select two tiles from their hand and reveal them.

Tile Placement: Players work with their neighbors to place one of their selected tiles into each of their two cities.

Cooperative-Competitive: Players collaborate with neighbors but compete for the highest score.

Game Objective

Players aim to build two thriving cities, one with the player on their left and one with the player on their right.

The final score is the lower of the scores of the two cities, and the player with the highest final score wins.

Player Experience

Between Two Cities offers a unique blend of cooperative and competitive elements. Players engage in lively discussions with their neighbors to optimize tile placement, making each turn fun and interactive. The game is particularly enjoyable with more players, as it fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone is invested in the outcome of all cities. Even in defeat, players tend to feel positive due to the shared effort in building the cities.

Pros

Engaging Cooperative-Competitive Dynamic: Encourages strategic discussions and teamwork.

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games typically last about 30 minutes.

High Replayability: Different tile draws and seating arrangements ensure varied experiences.

Improved Iconography: The Essential Edition features clearer and larger icons compared to Between Two Castles.

Cons

Luck Element: The random draw of tiles can introduce an element of luck, affecting strategy.

Complex Scoring: While scoring is generally straightforward, it can be complex due to various tile-specific scoring mechanisms.

Personal Thoughts on Between Two Cities

Between Two Cities is an excellent choice for those who enjoy light strategy games with a social twist. It is ideal for families and adult groups looking for a game that combines collaboration and competition. The game’s ability to accommodate a wide range of player counts (1-7 players) and its quick playtime make it a versatile addition to any game collection. The Essential Edition, with its updated artwork and larger icons, addresses previous issues with tile size and clarity, making it a more enjoyable experience for all players.

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