Taiwan Night Market (2023) Board Game

Taiwan Night Market is a board game designed by Zong-Ger (蔥哥) and published by Good Game Studio in in 2023. The game is set in the bustling night markets of Taiwan, where players compete to attract customers and build the most successful stalls.

Game Components of Taiwan Night Market

Customer tokens x40

Player markers x48 (wooden cat tokens in the Kickstarter version)

Bidding cards x9

Location cards x30

Stall cards x52 (12 each in 4 colors: food, drinks, dessert, or snacks)

Loan cards x15

Game board x1

Money tokens ($1, $3, $10)

Start player marker x1

Toilet card x1 (unlocked stretch goal)

How To Setup Taiwan Night Market

To set up the game, begin by randomly selecting and placing 5 new location cards to be auctioned each round. Reveal 4 general customer tokens and place them on their corresponding entry points on the board. Each player secretly chooses a hidden customer token that will be revealed later in the round. The toilet card, if included, is randomly set up on the map, and a customer token is drawn to start at this location.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding: Players bid for stall locations using bidding tokens on slots representing increasing amounts of money.

Area Majority / Influence: Players strategize to place stalls in the most lucrative locations.

Income: Earn money from customers visiting your stalls.

Loans: Manage financial obligations through loan cards.

Turn Order: Stat-Based: Adjust player order based on the number of stalls and cash in hand.

Variable Set-up: Each round features new locations and customer tokens.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most money by the end of the game, which lasts 5 rounds for 4 players or 6 rounds for 3 players. Players earn money by attracting customers to their stalls, with additional earnings for joint booths (adjacent stalls of the same type).

Player Experience

**Taiwan Night Market** offers a dynamic and strategic experience, blending economic simulation with the colorful and bustling environment of Taiwanese night markets. The bidding mechanism adds a layer of complexity and social interaction, as players must balance spending on prime locations with the need to conserve funds. The game’s artwork, created by Nuomi, enhances the immersive atmosphere, making it a visually appealing and engaging experience.

Pros

Engaging Bidding Mechanism: The non-linear bidding system adds a unique twist to traditional bidding games.

Colorful and Immersive Artwork: Nuomi’s illustrations bring the night market to life.

Strategic Depth: Players must balance financial management with strategic stall placement.

Suitable for Various Ages: The game is designed for players aged 10 and above, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

Cons

Financial Management Complexity: Managing loans and bids can be overwhelming for younger players.

Length of Game: While generally 60 minutes, the game can extend to 80 minutes, which may not suit all players.

Potential for Outbidding: Aggressive bidding can lead to financial setbacks if not managed carefully.

Personal Thoughts on Taiwan Night Market

**Taiwan Night Market** is ideal for players who enjoy economic simulations and strategic bidding games. It appeals to a wide range of player types and age groups, particularly those who appreciate the unique cultural setting and vibrant artwork. The game is perfect for families or casual gamers looking for a fun and challenging experience without the need for hours of complex setup or gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a very light or straightforward game, as it requires some strategic thinking and financial management.

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