Lost Cities: Rivals (2018) Board Game

Lost Cities: Rivals is a standalone game in the Lost Cities series, designed by renowned game designer Reiner Knizia and published by KOSMOS in in 2018. It builds on the success of the original Lost Cities game, offering a new twist on the gameplay with added elements like auctions and bidding.

Game Components of Lost Cities: Rivals

110 cards

65 expedition cards

16 investment cards

15 wager cards

14 investment tiles

4 player boards

4 score markers

How To Setup Lost Cities: Rivals

Each player receives a player board, score marker, and 10 cards.

Shuffle the expedition cards and place them in the center of the play area.

Shuffle the investment and wager cards and place them nearby.

Create a draw pile and discard pile with the remaining cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Lost Cities: Rivals, players take turns auctioning off cards from their hands to build expeditions. The goal is to earn the most points by forming successful expeditions with high-value cards. Players can also invest in expeditions to earn additional points.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging auction and bidding mechanics

Strategic depth in building expeditions

Beautiful artwork and components

Quick gameplay with a playing time of around 40 minutes

Cons:

Limited player interaction

Steep learning curve for new players

Luck of the draw can heavily influence gameplay

Personal Thoughts on Lost Cities: Rivals

Lost Cities: Rivals offers a fresh take on the original game with added layers of complexity through auctions and investments. The game is well-designed and offers a good amount of replay value. However, the lack of player interaction and luck-based elements may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it is worth considering for fans of the series or those looking for a strategic card game with a twist.

In terms of availability, the game can be found both new and used online, with prices varying depending on the condition. Alternatives like Jaipur or Splendor offer similar gameplay experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy strategic card games and don’t mind a bit of luck, Lost Cities: Rivals could be a great addition to your collection. However, if you prefer more player interaction or simpler gameplay, you may want to skip this one.

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