Lords of Vegas (2010) Board Game

Lords of Vegas is a board game that was released in 2010 by Mayfair Games. It was designed by James Ernest and Mike Selinker, with artwork by Steve Fastner, Rich Larson, and Franz Vohwinkel. The game falls under the categories of City Building, Dice, Economic, and Negotiation, and is suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Lords of Vegas

Player boards and lot tokens: Representing the properties and casinos in Las Vegas.

Casino dice: Used to build and expand casinos on the lots.

Money and fortune cards: Determine initial wealth and property ownership.

Pay the strip cards: Trigger payouts for casinos touching the Strip.

Game-ending card: Marks the conclusion of the game.

How To Setup Lords of Vegas

To set up the game, each player starts by drawing two fortune cards, which determine their initial lots and starting cash. Players receive lot tokens and casino dice corresponding to their fortune cards. The deck is shuffled, and the game is ready to begin with players taking turns drawing cards, claiming lots, and building or expanding their casinos.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Area Control: Players compete to control valuable properties on the Las Vegas Strip.

Dice Rolling: Casino dice are used to represent and expand casinos.

Economic Management: Players manage their money to build, expand, and reorganize their casinos.

Negotiation and Trading: Players can trade cash for favors and engage in hostile takeovers.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most points by building and managing successful casinos. Points are earned through payouts triggered by ‘pay the strip’ cards and by having the most valuable casino properties.

Player Experience

**Lords of Vegas** offers a dynamic and engaging experience, especially as the game accelerates. Early turns can be slow as players accumulate resources, but the game quickly ramps up with intense reorganization, remodeling, and competition. The theme of building and managing casinos in a gangster-ridden Las Vegas adds a layer of excitement and ruthlessness, making each turn tense and electric.

Pros

High Fun Factor: The game is known for its entertainment value and social interaction.

Blend of Tactics and Luck: Combines strategic planning with the unpredictability of dice rolls.

Negotiation and Backstabbery: Encourages negotiation and competitive takeovers.

Thematic Depth: Immerses players in the world of Las Vegas casinos.

Cons

Initial Slowness: Early turns can be slow as players build up resources.

Luck Involved: Dice rolls can significantly affect gameplay, leading to moments of bad luck.

Grim Aesthetic: The game’s box and initial setup may not be visually appealing.

Personal Thoughts on Lords of Vegas

**Lords of Vegas** is perfect for players who enjoy a mix of strategy, luck, and social interaction. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the theme of casino management and the competitive yet fun environment it creates. While it may not appeal to those seeking highly strategic or visually stunning games, it stands out as a classic that continues to entertain even years after its release. For fans of games like **Las Vegas** or **King’s Forge**, **Lords of Vegas** offers a deeper and more engaging experience.

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