Bombay (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bombay is a board game released in 2009, designed by Stéphane Poinsot and published by Ystari Games. It is an economic and transportation game that allows players to experience the hustle and bustle of the city of Bombay, now known as Mumbai. The game is set in the early 19th century when the city was a bustling hub of trade and commerce.

Game Components of Bombay

Game board featuring a map of India

Player tokens and elephants

Goods cards (various types of merchandise)

Market cards for four different cities

Treasure tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Bombay

To set up the game, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and an elephant, placing them on the starting location on the board. Shuffle the goods cards and deal a set number to each player. Prepare the market cards for the four cities and ensure each player has a set of treasure tokens. Finally, read through the rulebook to understand the specific setup instructions and game rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Acquire Goods: Players collect goods cards, which represent various types of merchandise.

Travel: Players move their elephants around the map of India.

Resell Goods: Players aim to resell their goods at the best price in four different cities, each with its own market.

Manage Markets: The market value of goods can fluctuate, so players must strategically decide when to sell.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most treasure by selling goods at optimal prices.

Player Experience

In **Bombay**, players immerse themselves in the role of merchants navigating the bustling markets of India. The game requires strategic thinking, as players must balance the acquisition of goods, managing their market value, and timing their sales perfectly. The game’s dynamic market mechanics keep players engaged and challenged throughout.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich strategic experience with fluctuating market values.

Thematic Engagement: The Indian setting and merchant theme are well-integrated and engaging.

Replayability: The random distribution of goods and market cards ensures high replay value.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be daunting for new players due to its market management mechanics.

Luck Factor: The random elements can sometimes lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Bombay

**Bombay** is ideal for players who enjoy economic and strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate managing resources, navigating markets, and making tactical decisions. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new players due to its complexity, experienced gamers will find it a rewarding and challenging experience.

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