Dadaocheng (Second Edition) (2019) Board Game

Dadaocheng is a board game that takes players back to the bustling Dadaocheng district in Taipei, Taiwan during the 1920s. The second edition of the game was released in 2019, with updated mechanics and components to enhance player experience.

Game Components of Dadaocheng

Resource discs

Player boards (Resource Board and Shipping Board)

Player markers

Resource tokens

Dice

Historical Event Cards

Opium Penalty track

Game board

How To Setup Dadaocheng

To set up the game, start by placing the board in the middle of the play area. Each player selects a set of player boards corresponding to their warehouse, which can be identified by color or name. Each player receives 9 player markers and places one on each of the 9 spaces with white outlines on their boards. The resource tokens are randomly placed on the board, and the black cube is set on the calendar icon marked with a “1”. The dice and cubes are set aside.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource management: Players obtain resources by swapping and flipping resource discs.

Tableau building: Players develop their own advantages within Dadaocheng using these resources.

Trading: Resources can be traded with the rest of the world or invested locally.

Combo puzzles: Players must manipulate the discs to optimize their resource acquisition.

Objective

The goal is to become the most prestigious trader by scoring the most points.

Points are earned through resource management, shipping, fulfilling orders, and managing historical events.

The game consists of six rounds, after which the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Dadaocheng offers a challenging and engaging experience, particularly for fans of strategy and puzzle games. Players must balance domestic and international trading, manage resources efficiently, and navigate the challenges posed by historical event cards. The game’s components, such as the resource discs, are well-designed and pleasant to handle. The ability to parallelize certain actions during the game helps maintain a smooth and relatively fast-paced experience.

Pros

Deep Strategies: The second edition introduces deeper strategies with newly added player boards and challenges.

Historical Aspect: The game provides a historical context and interesting facts about Taiwan’s development.

Engaging Gameplay: Combines resource management, combo puzzles, and spatial reasoning.

Scalable Difficulty: Suitable for both casual and experienced players.

Solid Solo Mode: Offers a challenging and enjoyable solo play experience.

Cons

Complex Event Cards: Some historical event cards can be particularly challenging or negative.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires time to master the disc manipulation and resource optimization.

Potential for Analysis Paralysis: Players who take a long time to decide their moves can slow down the game.

Personal Thoughts on Dadaocheng

Dadaocheng (Second Edition) is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong focus on resource management and puzzle-solving. It is particularly appealing to those interested in historical settings and who appreciate the blend of domestic and international trading mechanics. While it might not be the best fit for very young players due to its complexity, it is an excellent choice for families with older children and for gaming groups looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you’re looking to improve your strategic thinking and enjoy a game with a unique theme, Dadaocheng is definitely worth considering.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.