City of Guilds (2009) Board Game

City of Guilds is a card game released in 2009, designed by Andy Oakey and Todd Sanders. The game is set in a medieval city where players take on the roles of influential guild members vying for power and control. With a mix of area majority/influence, hand management, and variable player powers, City of Guilds offers a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of City of Guilds

Cards: The game includes various types of cards such as business cards, market cards, and minstrel house cards, each associated with different guilds.

Worker Tokens: Players use these tokens to exert influence and control over city blocks.

Guild Influence Tokens: These tokens track players’ influence within the guilds.

Tavern Tokens: Used as bonus plays to cut chains and enhance block scores.

City Block Tiles: Irregularly shaped tiles that form the city map.

How To Setup City of Guilds

To set up the game, players start by creating the city map by laying out the city block tiles. Each player receives a hand of three tiles and a set of worker tokens. The guild influence tokens and other special tokens are placed within reach of all players. The market and business cards are shuffled and made available for drawing.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to have the most influence in different guilds and city blocks.

Hand Management: Players manage their tile hands to optimize their placements.

Variable Player Powers: Different cards and tiles grant unique abilities and scoring opportunities.

Objective: The goal is to score the most points by controlling city blocks, influencing guilds, and strategically placing workers and market cards.

Player Experience

Playing **City of Guilds** involves strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance the need to control city blocks with the importance of influencing guilds. The game requires attention to the overall board state, as crossing streets to extend chains and closing blocks can significantly impact scoring. With a playing time of about 30 minutes, the game is relatively quick but still offers depth for strategic players.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite its short playing time, the game offers complex strategic decisions.

Replayability: Variable player powers and different tile draws ensure each game is unique.

Medieval Theme: The game’s theme is well-integrated into its mechanics, adding to the immersive experience.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: Some players may find the game too focused on individual strategy with minimal direct interaction.

Abstract Feel: The game’s mechanics can feel abstract, which might not appeal to all players.

Optimal Player Count: The game is best with 3 or 4 players, as playing with 5 can make the game less engaging.

Personal Thoughts on City of Guilds

**City of Guilds** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with area control elements. It’s a great fit for those who appreciate medieval themes and are looking for a game that offers depth without overwhelming complexity. However, players seeking high levels of direct interaction or a more dynamic, fast-paced experience might find this game less appealing. Overall, it’s a well-crafted game that rewards strategic thinking and planning.

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