Cuzco (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cuzco is a city building board game designed by Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer. It was released in 2018 by Super Meeple, known for publishing high-quality Euro-style games. The game is set in the ancient city of Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, and players compete to build the most prestigious cityscape.

Game Components of Cuzco

Game board featuring the region of Cuzco

Tiles for building and expanding the area

Player boards and tokens

Action point markers

Various other components for resource management and tracking

How To Setup Cuzco

To set up Cuzco, begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and the corresponding tokens. The tile stack is shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Action point markers and other resources are distributed according to the player count. The setup ensures a balanced start for all players, preparing them for the strategic tile-laying and area control mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Point Selection: Players use action points to perform various actions such as laying tiles, erecting structures, and managing resources.

Area Control: The goal is to build up the region of Cuzco by strategically placing tiles and constructing buildings.

Resource Management: Players must manage their resources efficiently to execute their actions.

Objective: The objective is to accumulate the most points by contributing to the development of Cuzco, with points awarded for completed structures, tile placements, and other achievements.

Player Experience

Playing Cuzco is a deeply strategic experience that requires careful planning and resource management. The game’s mechanics ensure that each player’s actions are meaningful and impactful, making it engaging for both new and experienced gamers. The game’s pace is well-balanced, allowing for both quick turns and deep strategic thinking.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Replayability: High replay value due to the random tile draw and varied player actions.

Player Interaction: Encourages competition and strategic thinking among players.

Theme Integration: The theme of building up the Inca city is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous rules and strategies.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be somewhat time-consuming.

Player Count: While it plays well with two players, the experience can vary slightly compared to games with more players.

Personal Thoughts on Cuzco

Cuzco is an excellent choice for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy games with deep mechanics. It is particularly suitable for players who appreciate action point selection and area control. While it can be enjoyed with two players, as many of Feld’s games are, it also shines with a full complement of four players, offering a dynamic and competitive experience. For those looking to dive into a game that requires thoughtful planning and execution, Cuzco is a top recommendation.

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