Cité (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cité is a city-building board game that was released in in 2010. Designed by Guillaume Besançon and published by Le Joueur, the game has players compete to build the most prosperous and impressive city. With beautiful artwork by Maëva da Silva and Christine Deschamps, Cité offers a strategic and engaging gameplay experience for 3-4 players.

Game Components of Cité

Game board

Player tokens

Resource cards

Trade cards

Economic theory cards (representing the Heckscher-Ohlin model)

Scorepad

How To Setup Cité

To set up Cité, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting position on the board. The resource cards, trade cards, and economic theory cards are shuffled and distributed according to the game’s rules. Players are given a set amount of resources and a starting hand of cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage resources to optimize their economic activities.

Trading: Players negotiate trades with each other to achieve better economic outcomes.

Economic Modeling: The game incorporates elements of the Heckscher-Ohlin model, teaching players about comparative advantage.

Game Objective

The objective of Cité is to accumulate the most wealth by efficiently managing resources, trading effectively, and applying economic principles.

Player Experience

Playing Cité involves a blend of strategic planning and interpersonal negotiation. Players must balance their resource allocation, negotiate trades, and make informed decisions based on economic principles. This game encourages players to think critically about economic theories and their practical applications.

Pros

Educational Value: Cité teaches players about key economic theories in an engaging way.

Negotiation Skills: The game enhances players’ negotiation and interpersonal skills.

Strategic Depth: It offers a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be too complex for casual players due to its focus on economic theory.

Learning Curve: There is a significant learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with the Heckscher-Ohlin model.

Limited Appeal: The game’s niche theme might limit its appeal to a broader audience.

Personal Thoughts on Cité

Cité is for players who are interested in economics, strategic planning, and negotiation. It is particularly suited for students of economics, business professionals, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of economic theories in a fun and interactive way. However, due to its complexity and specific theme, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking a light-hearted gaming experience.

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