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Cities (2008) Board Game

ByMichail

Cities is a city-building board game that was released in in 2008. It was designed by Peter Hermans and features artwork by Emma Games and Z-Man Games. The game falls under the categories of city-building and puzzle, with gameplay mechanics centered around pattern building and tile placement. Cities has a runtime of 15-30 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Cities

  • City Tiles**
  • Feature Tiles**
  • Buildings**
  • City Achievements**
  • Scoring Cards**
  • Workers** (for collecting elements)

    How To Setup Cities

    To set up **Cities**, players begin by preparing the game board and shuffling the various decks of tiles, features, buildings, and achievements. Each player starts with a set of workers that will be used to collect different elements each round. The game is structured over eight rounds (or four rounds in a two-player game).

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Drafting System: Players draft one of four different elements each round (scoring cards, city tiles, feature tiles, or buildings).
  • Decision-Making: The order of drafting these elements is up to the player, emphasizing strategic decision-making.
  • Building Neighborhoods: Players use the drafted elements to build and develop their city neighborhoods.
  • Achieving Goals: The goal is to score the most points by constructing a well-rounded and efficient neighborhood.
  • City Achievements: Players can also achieve specific city goals for additional points.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Cities** involves a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. Each round, players must carefully choose which elements to draft to align with their overall city development strategy. The game requires balancing short-term needs with long-term goals, making it engaging and intellectually challenging.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich decision-making process, allowing players to tailor their strategy.
  • High Replayability: With multiple paths to victory, the game remains fresh across multiple plays.
  • Engaging Mechanics: The drafting system and the need to balance different elements keep players actively engaged.

    Cons

  • Complexity: New players might find the initial setup and rules somewhat complex.
  • Length: The game can take several rounds to complete, which might not be ideal for all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Cities

    **Cities** is ideal for fans of urban planning and strategic board games. It is suited for players who enjoy tile placement, hand management, and making intricate decisions. While it may not be the best fit for casual or very young players due to its complexity, it offers a satisfying experience for those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your urban planning skills and provides a relaxing yet intellectually stimulating experience, **Cities** is a great choice.

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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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