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Tag City (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Tag City is a comic book-themed board game that was released in in 2018. Designed by Grelin and featuring artwork by Cryptic Cardboard and RUNES Editions, this game is best suited for 2-3 players and has a playing time of 20-30 minutes. With a recommended age of 8+, Tag City combines elements of dice rolling, paper-and-pencil mechanics, and puzzle-solving in a unique gaming experience.

Game Components of Tag City

  • Dice (number of players + 1)
  • HQ board
  • Player boards with standard and freestyle modes
  • Graffiti tokens of various shapes
  • Social media and drone action markers
  • Rulebook

    How To Setup Tag City

    Setup for Tag City is quick, taking about 5 minutes from opening the box to the first turn. Players start by setting up the HQ board and placing the dice in their corresponding locations. Each player receives a player board, and the game can be played in either standard mode with pre-selected graffiti tokens or freestyle mode where players can choose their own tokens.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Dice Rolling:** The lead player rolls all dice at the start of the round.
  • Dice Drafting:** Players take turns selecting a die from the HQ board and drawing the corresponding graffiti shape on their board.
  • Simultaneous Action:** All players use the remaining die simultaneously.
  • Social Media Action:** Players can choose to check social media instead of drawing, which gives negative points but is used in tiebreakers.
  • Drone Action:** Players can use a drone to draw any graffiti token shape, but this also incurs negative points.
  • Game End Triggers:** The game ends when all 5 social media spaces are filled, all 5 drone actions are used, or all districts, rows, and columns are claimed.
  • Objective:** Score points by filling in districts, rows, and columns first. The player with the most points wins.

    Player Experience

    In Tag City, players immerse themselves in a competitive graffiti tagging battle, racing to fill in sections of the city. The game offers a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution as players select dice to maximize their scores while trying to hinder their opponents. The freestyle mode adds an extra layer of complexity and competitiveness, allowing players to use more obscure shapes and strategize more deeply.

    Pros

  • Quick Setup:** Setup is very fast, making it easy to start a game.
  • Engaging Gameplay:** The combination of dice drafting and shape fitting keeps players engaged.
  • High Replayability:** The freestyle mode and various graffiti tokens ensure different experiences each time.
  • Short Playtime:** The game typically lasts 20-40 minutes.

    Cons

  • Small Components:** Some graffiti tokens are small enough to be a choking hazard.
  • Limited Player Count:** The game is designed for 1-4 players, which might limit larger groups.
  • Basic Components:** Some players might find the cardstock tokens less durable than desired.

    Personal Thoughts on Tag City

    Tag City is perfect for fans of roll and write games, strategic thinkers, and those who enjoy competitive, fast-paced gameplay. It’s an excellent addition to any game collection, especially for groups looking for a game that combines strategy with a unique theme. However, it might not be the best fit for those seeking games with more complex mechanics or higher player counts. Overall, it’s a fun, engaging game that leaves you wanting more, making it a great candidate for a potential deluxe version in the future.

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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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