Citrus (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Citrus is a board game released in 2013 designed by Klemens Franz and Scott Hartman. Published by dlp games, Citrus falls under the categories of Economic, Farming, and Territory Building games. With a playtime of around 60 minutes, Citrus is suitable for players aged 10 and above and accommodates 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Citrus

Game Board: Colorful and attractive, featuring various spaces for orchards and special tiles.

Citrus Tiles: Representing different types of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, blood oranges, and limes.

Finca Tiles: Farmhouse tiles that serve as key locations for expansion.

Worker Markers: Each player has five workers (though some copies may have six) to manage their orchards.

Bonus Tiles: Including bridges, wheelbarrows, and other special tiles that offer various benefits.

Special Cards: These can be used to gain extra points or perform special actions.

Money Tokens: Used for buying and expanding orchards.

How To Setup Citrus

To set up the game, start by randomly placing four finca tiles on the board, marked with letters A, B, C, and D. Each player receives a starting capital of six money tokens and five worker markers. The market is populated with a random selection of citrus tiles. Special cards and bonus tiles are also placed according to the rules. Players then prepare their personal playing boards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Laying: Players buy and place citrus tiles to expand their orchards.

Resource Management: Manage money tokens and worker markers to execute actions.

Market Mechanics: The market is refilled when it runs low, introducing new opportunities and challenges.

Objective: The goal is to expand and harvest orchards to earn points and money. The game ends when all citrus tiles have been placed on the board, and the player with the most points, earned from their orchards and special tiles, wins.

Player Experience

Playing Citrus involves a simple yet strategic decision each turn: either buy and plant new orchards or harvest existing ones. As the game progresses, the board fills with colorful tiles, and players must navigate the market and special tiles to maximize their points. The game is engaging and visually appealing, making it fun to watch the orchards grow.

Pros

Visually Attractive: The game features beautiful components and a colorful board.

Strategic Depth: Simple decisions hide a layer of complex strategy.

Dynamic Market: Random market replenishment adds unpredictability and new opportunities.

Special Tiles and Cards: These add variety and unique gameplay elements.

Cons

Luck Factor: The random placement of tiles and special cards can introduce significant luck.

Initial Complexity: New players might find the rules a bit confusing at first.

Component Issues: Some copies may have missing or incorrect components, such as worker markers.

Personal Thoughts on Citrus

Citrus is perfect for fans of tile-laying games who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It’s a great game for those who appreciate a blend of luck and strategy, and its colorful presentation makes it an enjoyable addition to any game collection. However, it might not be the best fit for players who prefer games with minimal luck or those looking for extremely complex rules. Overall, Citrus offers a fun and engaging experience that is easy to learn but challenging to master.

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