"The London Board Game" box and contents displayed on a bed with a map of the London Underground spread out in front of the box. The game's pieces and cards are visible inside the open box.

London

ByMichail

London

London is a board game designed by Martin Wallace, released in 2010. The game requires players to rebuild London after the Great Fire of London up until the start of the 20th century. The game is set in the immediate aftermath of the fire and encapsulates 250 years of ensuing history. Players must decide what and where to build, and deal with poverty and paupers, all with the aim of rebuilding the great city district by district.

Why is London Popular?

London is a popular and significant board game for several reasons:Historical theme: The game is set in a historically accurate context, allowing players to immerse themselves in the process of rebuilding London after the Great Fire.Economic system: The game involves a strong economic system that players must manage carefully, adding a layer of strategy and complexity.Awards and recognition: London won a Meeples Choice award in 2010 and was nominated for an International Gamers Award in 2011, which helps contribute to its popularity.Positive reception: The game has received positive reviews and recommendations from various sources, including The Guardian and Uppercut Crit, further increasing its popularity.

Game Components of London

  • Game board** representing a map of London
  • Building tiles** for various landmarks and structures
  • Event cards** that impact gameplay
  • Poisson distribution cards** for resolving certain events
  • Player boards** for managing individual player progress
  • Money and poverty tokens**
  • District tiles**

    How To Setup London

    To set up London, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. Shuffle the event deck and deal a set number of cards to each player, depending on the number of players. Distribute the starting money and poverty tokens according to the rules. Prepare the building tiles and district tiles, which will be drawn and placed on the board as the game progresses.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Building and Managing Districts: Players build and manage different districts of London.
  • Event Resolution: Resolve event cards that can either help or hinder progress.
  • Poisson Distribution: Use Poisson distribution cards to determine the outcomes of certain events.
  • Managing Poverty: Balance building projects with managing poverty levels.
  • Economic Management: Manage finances to undertake building projects.
  • Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by building districts, resolving events, and managing poverty effectively.

    Player Experience

    Playing London involves a mix of strategic planning and adaptive decision-making. Players must carefully balance their financial resources with the need to build and improve districts, all while managing the impact of random events. The game requires a good understanding of economic management and risk mitigation.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategic Gameplay: Offers complex and engaging strategic decisions.
  • Historical Theme: Set in the reconstruction of London after the Great Fire, adding a historical twist.
  • High Replayability: Random events and variable setup ensure each game is different.
  • Economic Challenge: Provides a challenging economic management experience.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve: Can be overwhelming for new players due to its complex mechanics.
  • Lengthy Gameplay: Games can be quite long, often lasting over an hour.
  • Randomness: The use of Poisson distribution cards and event cards can introduce significant randomness.

    Personal Thoughts on London

    London is a game designed for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and city-building games. It is ideal for players who appreciate complex strategies and are willing to invest time in learning the mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its steep learning curve and lengthy gameplay, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who enjoy deep strategic play.

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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