London Cabbie Game (1971) – Board Game Guys

London Cabbie

“London Cabbie” is a board game designed by David Drakes and first published by Intellect Games in 1971. The game is set in the streets of London and allows players to drive taxicabs through the city, picking up and dropping off fares. The game’s popularity stems from its theme, which revolves around the iconic London taxi, and its engaging Gameplay Mechanics of London Cabbie.

Why is London Cabbie Popular?

The game is popular for several reasons:
– Theme: The theme of driving taxis through the streets of London appeals to players who enjoy the city’s history and the iconic status of the London taxi.
– Gameplay: The game mechanics involve players navigating their taxis through the city, picking up and dropping off fares, and competing to earn the most points. This adds an element of strategy and competition to the game.
– Educational Value: The game can also serve as an educational tool, as it introduces players to the history of taxis in London and their development over time.

Game Components of London Cabbie Game

Game board featuring a map of London

Cab tokens for each player

Traffic jam tokens (little plastic triangles) to represent congestion at junctions and crossroads

Game cards

Rulebook

How To Setup London Cabbie Game

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a cab token and places it at a designated starting point on the board. Traffic jam tokens are set aside to be used during the game to simulate traffic congestion. Players are then dealt game cards, which may include instructions or challenges to be completed during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Family, Travel

Mechanics: Token Movement, Route Building

Objective: Players aim to pick up and drop off fares efficiently while navigating through London’s streets.

Movement: Each cab has 20 points of movement per turn, allowing players to strategize their routes.

Challenges: Players must manage traffic jams and other obstacles to complete their fares quickly.

Player Experience

The London Cabbie Game offers a fun and interactive way for up to 6 players to explore the streets of London. Players must balance speed with strategy, avoiding traffic jams and optimizing their routes to complete fares. The game is simple enough for families but challenging enough to keep players engaged.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, making it a great game for family game nights.

Interactive: Players must actively manage their cabs and navigate through the city.

Strategy: Requires players to think ahead and plan their routes carefully.

Educational: Players get to familiarize themselves with London’s geography.

Cons

Complexity: May be too simple for experienced board game enthusiasts.

Components: Traffic jam tokens can be easily lost if not properly stored.

Replayability: Some players may find the game repetitive after several plays.

Personal Thoughts on London Cabbie Game

The London Cabbie Game is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted yet engaging experience. It is ideal for those who enjoy travel-themed games and are interested in navigating through a simulated city environment. While it may not offer the depth and complexity that hardcore gamers seek, it is a great introduction to board games for younger players or those new to the hobby.

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.