Happiest Town (2018) Board Game

Happiest Town is a city building board game released in 2018 by Sato Familie. It is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 10-15 minutes, making it a quick and engaging game for families and casual gamers. The game is suitable for players aged 6 and above, allowing for a wide range of age groups to enjoy.

Game Components of Happiest Town

Over 40 types of building cards

Dwelling cards

Special building cards

Happy Market cards

Coins

Starting cards

How To Setup Happiest Town

Setting up the game is straightforward. Lay out the three different ‘Dwelling’ cards on the top row, removing one of each for any player count under five. Separate the other building cards into three types, marked on the back, into three separate face-down rows below. Each player receives a Happy Market card, two coins, and a starting card. Gather the special buildings, ensuring there are two more than the number of players, and lay them out. This setup prepares the game for the players to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Income Collection: Players gather income from buildings showing a coin symbol.

Card Flipping: Players flip cards from the three face-down rows to reveal available buildings for purchase.

Building Purchase: Players can buy one of the available cards or choose to take an additional coin or an unacquired Dwelling card.

Special Buildings: Players can acquire special buildings if they meet the necessary criteria.

Game End: The game ends when a player acquires their tenth building; all players must have had the same number of turns.

Scoring: Score by multiplying the hearts on the building cards with the green people symbol.

Player Experience

Happiest Town offers a quick, fun, and engaging experience. Each turn is swift, making the game ideal for filler game sessions. The game’s simplicity and fast-paced nature make it enjoyable for both casual and experienced gamers. The interaction with different buildings, such as the Haunted House or the Factory, adds a layer of strategy as players balance income and happiness. The game is easy to reset and start again, making it a favorite for frequent plays.

Pros

Fast Gameplay: Turns are quick, and the game can be completed within a few minutes.

Simple Setup: Easy to set up and start playing.

Strategic Depth: Balancing income and happiness adds a layer of strategy.

Replayability: Easy to reset and play again.

Compact: Suitable for playing in small spaces like restaurants or pubs.

Cons

Wind Sensitivity: The light cards may not be ideal for outdoor play with wind.

Rushed Game End: Other players might focus on ending the game quickly by buying cheap buildings, which can disadvantage players who are aiming for better buildings.

Personal Thoughts on Happiest Town

Happiest Town is a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who enjoy city-building and strategic games. It is suitable for families and casual gamers due to its simplicity and quick gameplay. The game’s ability to balance fun and strategy makes it an excellent choice for game nights or as a filler game between longer sessions. However, players who prefer more complex or lengthy games might find it too light. Overall, it is an excellent pick for those looking for a fun, fast-paced, and strategically engaging game.

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