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Dadaocheng (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Dadaocheng is a board game that was released in 2015 by designer Tsai Huei-Chiang and Eason Kao. It is set in the Dadaocheng area of Taipei, Taiwan, known for its historical significance and rich culture. The game captures the essence of this vibrant district through its gameplay mechanics and thematic elements.

Game Components of Dadaocheng

  • Board:** A 4×4 grid representing the trading area of the port.
  • Resource Discs:** Double-sided discs with different resources on each side.
  • Player Boards:** Each player has a Resource Board and a Shipping Board.
  • Player Markers:** 9 markers per player.
  • Cubes:** Used as resources.
  • Dice:** For using the Temple action.
  • Shipping Cards:** Three stacks based on their level.
  • Building Cards:** Each with special abilities.
  • Event Cards:** Featuring historical events and facts.

    How To Setup Dadaocheng

    To set up the game, place the board in the middle of the play area. Each player takes a set of player boards corresponding to the warehouse they are closest to, identifiable by color or Chinese characters. Players receive 9 player markers and place one on each of the 9 spaces on their boards with white outlines. Cubes are set aside, with one black cube placed on the calendar icon. Resource tokens are randomly placed on the board, and the dice are set aside. Shipping cards and building cards are organized and placed on the board according to their levels.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Manage Resource Discs:** Players swap and flip resource discs to align resources.
  • Collect and Store Resources:** Players collect and store resources based on the aligned discs.
  • Full House:** Players check if they have a full house in their storehouses to gain additional resources.
  • Purchase and Actions:** Players buy shipping cards, building cards, and take other actions using their resources.
  • Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most prestigious points by collecting and managing resources, buying cards, and using special abilities.

    Player Experience

    Dadaocheng offers a challenging yet engaging experience with a strong puzzle aspect. Players must plan carefully to line up resource discs and manage their resources efficiently. The game allows for parallel gameplay, where the next player can start modifying the discs while the previous player is in the action phase, making the game feel faster. The historical theme and event cards add an educational layer, while the game’s components, such as the weighted discs, enhance the overall experience.

    Pros

  • Challenging Solo Mode:** A solid solo mode with good spatial reasoning and combo puzzles.
  • Parallel Gameplay:** Allows multiple players to prepare their turns simultaneously, speeding up the game.
  • Historical Theme:** Incorporates interesting historical facts and events.
  • Quality Components:** The discs feel nice to handle and are well-designed.
  • Deep Strategy:** The game requires strategic planning and resource management.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** The setup can be intricate, especially for new players.
  • Event Card Randomness:** The randomization of event cards can disrupt historical order.
  • Steep Learning Curve:** Players may find it challenging to master the game mechanics.

    Personal Thoughts on Dadaocheng

    Dadaocheng is ideal for players who enjoy puzzle games and strategic resource management. It is suitable for families and casual gamers looking for a game that is both fun and intellectually stimulating. However, due to its complexity and the need for careful planning, it may not be the best fit for very young children or those seeking a quick, simple game. Overall, Dadaocheng is a well-designed game that offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and historical context, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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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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