On Tour (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

On Tour is a board game that was released in 2019 and designed by Anca Gavril. The game combines elements of dice rolling, line drawing, and network and route building. Players must plan their routes carefully to visit as many states as possible on their tour.

Game Components of On Tour

8 coated, double-sided map boards (USA and Europe maps)

Dry-erase markers

Two decks of oversized cards

Two large, chunky dice

Optional: Rockstar Dice promo for enhanced table presence.

How To Setup On Tour

Setup is relatively straightforward. Players start by shuffling the cards and each receiving a player board. The dice are rolled to generate the initial four numbers, which are written in specific states indicated by the cards. Each player writes the smaller number on the state shown by one card and the larger number on the state shown by another card. These numbers are circled, and the corresponding cards are removed from the game. This process ensures all players begin with the same four numbers in the same four locations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll two dice to create two two-digit numbers.

Card Drawing: Players draw cards to determine where to place these numbers, either in specific states or regions.

Number Placement: Players write the numbers on their boards, circling them if they match the state on the card.

Wilds: Rolling doubles or drawing three cards of the same region allows players to draw a star (wild) in any state.

Path Building: After filling all but two spaces, players build a route by connecting numbers in ascending order, visiting each space only once.

Objective: The goal is to create the longest path and visit as many circled numbers as possible to maximize the score.

Player Experience

**On Tour** offers a smooth and engaging experience suitable for family gatherings and casual gamers. The game’s simplicity and simultaneous gameplay reduce the risk of analysis paralysis, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The social aspect is enhanced by the shared excitement and disappointment of dice rolls, even though players do not directly interact with each other. The game’s low complexity and quick turns ensure it remains enjoyable without becoming overly strategic or complex.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules with minimal iconography.

High Replayability: Variable setup and dice rolls ensure different experiences each game.

Social Experience: Encourages camaraderie and shared reactions during gameplay.

Flexible Player Count: Supports 1 to 8 players with no change in gameplay.

Quality Components: Large, chunky dice and dry-erase boards enhance the playing experience.

Cons

Limited Strategic Depth: The game relies heavily on luck, which may not appeal to strategic gamers.

No Complex Combining Mechanics: Unlike some other roll-and-write games, it lacks intricate combining mechanics.

Analysis Paralysis Reduced but Present: While minimal, some players might still experience brief moments of indecision.

Personal Thoughts on On Tour

**On Tour** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light, fun experience. It excels in providing a relaxed yet engaging game session that can be completed in about 20 minutes. The game’s accessibility and social elements make it a great addition to any gaming collection, especially for large family gatherings or quick game nights. However, it may not satisfy gamers seeking deeper strategic challenges or complex game mechanics.

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