Istanbul (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Istanbul is a popular board game designed by Rüdiger Dorn and published by Pegasus Spiele in in 2014. It has won several awards, including the Kennerspiel des Jahres award in 2014.

Game Components of Istanbul

Game board

5 merchant discs

5 wheelbarrows

16 wooden rubies

22 location tiles

26 bonus cards

8 family member tiles

1 Governor tile

5 merchant tiles

5 wheelbarrow tiles

5 player mats

52 goods cards

18 mosque tiles

24 assistant cards

1 starting player marker

1 round marker

5 gem depot tiles

5 bags

5 summary cards

How To Setup Istanbul

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the location tiles and place them face down on the designated spaces on the board.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding merchant disc, wheelbarrow, and player mat.

Shuffle the bonus cards and place them face down on their designated space.

Shuffle the goods cards and place them face down on their designated space.

Place the rubies, family member tiles, and other components within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Istanbul, players take on the role of merchants in the bustling market of Istanbul. The objective is to collect rubies by navigating the market, trading goods, and managing your resources efficiently. Players move their merchant discs around the board, visiting various locations to perform actions such as acquiring goods, hiring assistants, and building their trading network.

The game features dice rolling, grid movement, and contract fulfillment mechanics. Players must strategize and optimize their actions to earn the most rubies and become the most successful merchant in Istanbul.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging gameplay that offers a good mix of strategy and luck

Beautiful artwork and high-quality components

Easy to learn but offers depth for experienced players

Balanced gameplay that keeps all players engaged until the end

Cons

Some players may find the game length to be a bit long

Luck factor in dice rolling may frustrate some players

Limited player interaction outside of blocking opponents’ paths

Personal Thoughts on Istanbul

Istanbul is a well-designed economic game that offers a satisfying balance of strategic depth and easy-to-learn mechanics. The components are of high quality, and the artwork adds to the immersive experience of trading in an exotic market.

While the game may not be suitable for players looking for heavy player interaction or those who dislike luck-based mechanics, Istanbul is a great choice for fans of Euro-style board games. The game is worth the investment for players who enjoy planning, resource management, and optimizing their trading strategies.

In terms of pricing and availability, Istanbul is widely available both new and used, making it accessible to a wide audience. For those looking for similar games, titles like Splendor and Five Tribes offer similar gameplay experiences with their own unique twists.

Overall, Istanbul is a game that is worth your time if you enjoy economic strategy games and are looking for a well-designed and engaging gaming experience. Players who appreciate a mix of luck and strategy will find Istanbul to be a rewarding addition to their collection.

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