Tangram City (2023) Board Game

Tangram City is a city-building board game that was released in in 2023. Designed by Makoto Takami, this game combines elements of puzzle-solving and strategic planning to create a unique gaming experience. Players will compete to build the best city layout using tangram puzzle pieces.

Game Components of Tangram City

23 City tiles per player (each tile is green on one side and black on the other)

6 Fountain tiles per player

City board for each player

Deck of 23 cards

Green and black balance markers

Score marker

Starting player token

How To Setup Tangram City

To set up Tangram City, each player receives their own City board, a set of 23 City tiles, and 6 Fountain tiles. The City tiles should be sorted immediately to prevent confusion. Each player places a score marker on the Scoring board. The deck of 23 cards is shuffled and set face down on the table. Each player board has a different starting piece pre-printed, which is green on one side and black on the other, ensuring unique outcomes for each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players place tangram-shaped tiles in a randomly determined order based on the cards drawn.

Card Mechanic: Each round, four cards are dealt, with one face-up card in the center and the rest distributed among players, some face down.

Scoring Rectangles: Players score points for their largest fully built rectangle on the board.

Balance Mechanic: Players aim to balance green (park) and black (building) tiles, with bonus points awarded for achieving balance.

Fountain Tiles: Players place a fountain tile legally on the board after placing the tiles for the round.

Rounds and Final Round: The game is played over five regular rounds and a special finishing round where players can place tiles in any order they choose.

Player Experience

In Tangram City, players are challenged to build a harmonious city by balancing natural and urban areas while constructing rectangles to score points. The game offers a mix of planning and strategy, as players must make tactical decisions based on the cards they receive and the tiles they have. The hidden information mechanic allows players to plan ahead, knowing at least one piece of the puzzle, which adds a layer of depth to the gameplay.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The combination of tile placement, card mechanism, and balance requirement provides a rich strategic experience.

Planning Ahead: Knowing a secret piece of the puzzle each round helps players build their city more effectively.

Replayability: Different starting pieces and card draws ensure unique games each time.

Visual Appeal: The game features a clean and visually appealing design.

Cons

Catch-Up Mechanism: The current high scorer being the starting player can sometimes fail as an effective catch-up mechanism.

Complexity in Balance: Maintaining balance between green and black tiles can be challenging and may require tough choices.

Personal Thoughts on Tangram City

Tangram City is ideal for fans of tile-laying and puzzle games who enjoy strategic planning and tactical decision-making. It appeals to players who like to balance short-term goals with long-term strategies, making it a great fit for those who enjoy games like *Patchwork* but are looking for something with a unique twist. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking a highly competitive game with strong catch-up mechanisms.

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