Portobello Market (2007) Board Game

Portobello Market is an abstract strategy board game designed by Thomas Odenhoven and published by Lautapelit.fi in in 2007. The game is set in the famous Portobello Road Market in London, where players take on the role of market traders competing to earn the most money by selling goods in their stalls.

Game Components of Portobello Market

Market board

48 market stalls

40 goods tiles

8 market trader pawns

4 scoring markers

1 start player marker

Rulebook

How To Setup Portobello Market

Place the market board in the center of the table.

Randomly place the market stalls on the board.

Shuffle the goods tiles and place them face down.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding market trader pawns and scoring marker.

Place the start player marker on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Portobello Market, players take turns placing their market trader pawns on the market stalls to claim goods tiles and earn money. The game revolves around area majority and influence, as players compete to control different sections of the market. The objective is to earn the most money by the end of the game through smart placement of pawns and strategic decision-making.

Player Experience

Pros

Easy to learn rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Strategic depth and replayability with different player counts.

Beautiful artwork by Michael Menzel and Christof Tisch immerses players in the market setting.

Cons

Lack of player interaction may lead to a less engaging experience for some.

Some players may find the game too abstract and lacking in thematic elements.

Personal Thoughts on Portobello Market

Portobello Market is a solid abstract strategy game with a unique theme and engaging gameplay mechanics. While it may not be the most innovative or groundbreaking game in its category, it offers a fun and challenging experience for players looking for a light to medium-weight game. The build quality is sturdy, and the components are well-designed, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game.

In terms of pricing and availability, Portobello Market can be found both new and used, making it accessible to a wide range of players. For those interested in similar games, alternatives like Azul or Splendor may offer a different take on the abstract strategy genre. Overall, Portobello Market is worth a try for those who enjoy strategic thinking and area control mechanics, but may not be suitable for players seeking a more thematic experience.

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