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Old London Bridge (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Old London Bridge is a board game released in 2022, designed by Markus Erdt and Patricia Limberger. The game is set in the historical context of building the iconic London Bridge, which has a rich history dating back to the Roman times. The game aims to recreate the excitement and challenges that came with constructing such a monumental structure.

Game Components of Old London Bridge

  • 3D papier-mâché bridge
  • Building cards (as papier-mâché pieces) numbered 1-60
  • Rondel mechanism
  • Player pawns and markers
  • Game Round Markers
  • Bonus Tiles
  • Money (represented as Pounds)
  • Progression lists
  • Scoring tiles
  • Parks (special buildings that reset numbering)

    How To Setup Old London Bridge

    To set up the game, start by placing the rondel in the center of the board. Each player receives two bridges, a pawn, and two player markers in their color. The bridges are set around the board, and the building cards are shuffled into six stacks, one for each type. Game Round Markers are placed below the Bridge and Chapel tracks, and Bonus Tiles are stacked in each color above the Bridge Track. Each player gets an initial amount of money and a starting hand of cards based on their player order.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Worker Placement:** Players place their pawns on the rondel to select actions.
  • Building Construction:** Players construct buildings on their bridge in decreasing numerical order.
  • Resource Management:** Managing money and bonus tiles.
  • Progression Lists:** Enhancing selection mechanisms.

    Game Objective:

  • Construct buildings on the bridge while adhering to the decreasing numerical order.
  • Use parks to reset the numbering sequence.
  • Earn points based on the type and number of buildings constructed.
  • The game ends after twelve rounds or when three stacks of buildings are depleted.
  • The player with the most money, after scoring and penalties for empty spots, wins.

    Player Experience

    Old London Bridge offers a engaging and relatively quick gaming experience, lasting under an hour. The game is easy to learn and set up, making it a great gateway game for families or new players. However, experienced gamers might find the game too fast and lacking in depth. The rondel mechanism introduces an element of tension, especially with more players, as the spaces become crowded and players must strategize on the fly.

    Pros

  • Excellent production quality and visual appeal
  • Easy to learn and set up
  • Suitable for families and new players
  • Encourages strategic thinking
  • Dynamic gameplay with multiple players

    Cons

  • Game may be too fast for some players
  • Lack of historical accuracy in building placements
  • Limited depth for experienced gamers

    Personal Thoughts on Old London Bridge

    Old London Bridge is an excellent choice for those looking for a light, family-friendly game or a gateway into worker placement games. While it may not offer the complexity and depth that hardcore gamers seek, it provides a fun and engaging experience that is quick to set up and play. The game’s thematic appeal and the 3D bridge component add to its charm, making it a solid addition to any board game collection.

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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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