Porto (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Porto is a city building board game released in 2019 by MEBO Games. Designed by Orlando Sá and illustrated by Luís Levy Lima, Porto offers players the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of the city of Porto, Portugal, through strategic gameplay. With a runtime of 30-45 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and above, Porto combines hand management and tile placement mechanics to create an engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Porto

Huge board depicting the city of Porto

Thick tiles representing floors of various houses

Thick cards for personal goals and ongoing contracts

Cards in five different colors with values ranging from 1-3

Market of five face-up cards

Private goal cards

How To Setup Porto

To set up *Porto*, place the large board in the middle of the table. Shuffle and deal the private goal cards to each player. Set up the market with five face-up cards. Ensure all tiles and other components are within reach of the players. The setup is relatively straightforward, making it easy to get started quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Actions: Players can either draw cards or build floors.

Draw Cards: Players can draw up to a total value of three from the market of five face-up cards.

Build Floors: Players build floors by using exactly two cards—one for the number and one for the color—to place tiles in one of the available houses on the map.

Scoring: Points are awarded for building floors, finishing houses, and placing roofs. Bonuses are given for building doorways.

Game End: The game ends after a certain number of houses are completed, with one additional full round played before final scoring.

Player Experience

*Porto* offers a breezy and light gaming experience, suitable for casual gamers and families. The game is easy to learn and play, with simple rules that allow even distracted players to quickly grasp the mechanics. The beautiful artwork and large board contribute to an engaging but not overwhelming experience.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new gamers.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last around 30 minutes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, including those new to board games.

Beautiful Artwork: The board and components feature attractive and detailed designs.

Cons

Light Decision Making: May not appeal to hardcore gamers looking for more complex strategies.

Card Cycling: Constantly changing out cards can be a minor hassle.

Rule Clarification: Players need to frequently refer to the rulebook for private goals and specific card details.

Personal Thoughts on Porto

*Porto* is ideal for casual gamers, families, and those looking for a light, quick game to fill a short gaming session. It is not recommended for gamers seeking deeper strategic gameplay or more meaningful decision-making. The game excels in its simplicity and aesthetic appeal, making it a great addition to any collection focused on family-friendly games.

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