City of the Big Shoulders (2019) Board Game

City of the Big Shoulders is a board game released in 2019 by Parallel Games. Designed by Raymond Chandler III, the game is set in Chicago during the 19th century, a time of rapid industrialization and economic growth. Players take on the roles of investors and entrepreneurs looking to build and expand businesses in the burgeoning city.

Game Components of City of the Big Shoulders

Game board

Demand tiles

Capital Asset tiles

Building tiles sorted by era

Worker pieces

Resource cubes

Player boards and pieces

Money

Decade and Phase markers

Company Charters and Capital Asset fields

How To Setup City of the Big Shoulders

To set up the game, first populate the game board sections with the Demand tiles and Capital Asset tiles. Sort and place the Building tiles by era on the board. Fill the Job Market with worker pieces. Place two resource cubes of each type onto Haymarket Square and draw three resources for each space of the supply chain. Set the Decade and Phase markers to their starting positions. Each player chooses a color, takes the corresponding player board and pieces, receives $175, and three buildings from the era 1 Building tile deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: 18xx style, euro-style, resource management, worker placement

Mechanics: Building and Action phases, worker placement, resource management

Objective: Players aim to rebuild Chicago by creating and investing in local businesses, hiring workers, producing goods, and reinvesting earnings to maximize profits.

Key Actions:
– Select and play Building tiles
– Place Partners (workers) to perform actions for companies
– Acquire Capital Asset tiles for unique benefits
– Manage company finances and dividend payouts

Player Experience

Playing City of the Big Shoulders is an engaging and complex experience. The game requires strategic planning and direct interaction with other players, as every action affects the overall economy and other players’ companies. The thematic coherence of rebuilding a city from the ashes enhances the sense of shared purpose among competitors.

Pros

Engaging Complexity: The game is highly interactive and complex, keeping players engaged at every turn.

Thematic Depth: The setting and mechanics align well with the theme of rebuilding Chicago.

High-Quality Components: The game features durable cardboard, good-quality cards, and well-done artwork reminiscent of old-timey newspaper advertisements.

Dynamic Gameplay: Every decision impacts other players, fostering a sense of community and competition.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complexity can be overwhelming for new players.

Lengthy Playtime: Games can be quite long due to the intricate mechanics and strategies involved.

Personal Thoughts on City of the Big Shoulders

City of the Big Shoulders is for seasoned board game enthusiasts who appreciate complex economic and resource management games. It is ideal for groups looking for a deeply strategic and thematic experience that requires careful planning and interaction. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to the 18xx genre due to its high complexity and lengthy playtime.

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