City Blocks (2013) Board Game

City Blocks is a city-building board game designed by Xavier Carrascosa and released in in 2013. It is a two-player game that combines elements of area majority/influence, hand management, and tile placement mechanics. The game is aimed at players aged 7 and older and has a runtime of approximately 15 minutes. The game features colorful city tiles that players use to build their own cities and compete for control of various districts.

Game Components of City Blocks

Game Board: Represents a map of a city district, 6 columns wide by 5 rows tall.

Building Tiles: 20 tiles per player, with light blue and light red backgrounds to differentiate between players.

Currency Tokens: 15 small tokens numbered from $1 to $15.

Special Building Tiles: Includes Power Plants, Malls, Schools, and Courthouses.

How To Setup City Blocks

To set up the game, shuffle the Currency tokens face down and place one token face up to the left of each row and at the top of each column, working clockwise from the bottom row. Both players draw one of the remaining Currency tokens to determine who goes first, based on the higher number. The remaining unplaced Currency tokens are discarded and put back in the bag. Each player shuffles their 20 Building tiles, places them face down, and draws five tiles into their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Players take turns placing one tile from their hand onto the city grid.

Placement Options: Tiles can be placed freely, removed by paying a Currency token, or swapped with special actions.

Scoring: Players earn bonuses by completing rows or columns on the grid. The player with the highest score in a street wins the bonus.

Special Tiles: Schools, Malls, Power Plants, and Courthouses have specific rules that affect scoring.

Game End: The game ends when all tiles have been placed, and the player with the most Currency tokens wins.

Player Experience

In City Blocks, players engage in a competitive city-building experience, strategically placing buildings to maximize their scores while disrupting their opponent’s plans. The game requires careful planning and tactical moves to secure bonuses and outmaneuver the opponent.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers deep strategic gameplay with multiple ways to outmaneuver the opponent.

Simple yet Engaging: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Visual Appeal: The game board and tiles are visually appealing, enhancing the overall experience.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Only suitable for two players.

Cleanup Mechanics: Some players might find the rules regarding special tiles and scoring a bit complex.

Personal Thoughts on City Blocks

City Blocks is ideal for fans of strategic board games and those who enjoy competitive, two-player experiences. It’s a great choice for players who like to plan ahead and execute tactical moves to outsmart their opponent. While it may not be suitable for large groups, it offers a engaging and challenging experience for two players looking to test their city-building skills.

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