The Golden City (2009) Board Game

The Golden City board game, released in 2009, is designed by Michael Schacht and published by Editrice Giochi. Set in an ancient and adventurous theme, the game features elements of area majority/influence, auction/bidding, and network and route building mechanics. With a playing time of approximately 60 minutes, The Golden City is suitable for 3-4 players aged 10 and up.

Game Components of The Golden City

Game board featuring an island with a golden city

Player tokens and character cards

Business cards representing various shops and enterprises

Resource tokens

Game cards for various actions and events

How To Setup The Golden City

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and places it at the coast of the island. The business cards and resource tokens are shuffled and distributed according to the game’s rules. The first shop is opened directly at the coast, marking the beginning of the players’ venture.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Mechanics: Area control, resource management, and strategic planning.

Game Objective: The objective is to be the first player to build all their businesses on the board. The game can end when one player has established all their businesses, with the current round still being played to its end.

Player Experience

Players in The Golden City embark on a strategic journey, managing resources and planning the optimal placement of their businesses. The game requires a balance between expanding one’s economic footprint and managing the resources needed to sustain growth. The island setting adds a thematic layer, making the game visually appealing and immersive.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good balance of short-term and long-term strategies.

Visual Appeal: The island setting and golden city theme are engaging and visually appealing.

Replayability: Different business cards and resource distributions ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may need some time to grasp the rules and mechanics.

Length: Games can be moderately long, depending on the number of players and their strategies.

Personal Thoughts on The Golden City

The Golden City is ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It is particularly suited for those who like to build and expand their economic empires in a thematic and visually engaging setting. While it may not be the best fit for very casual gamers due to its moderate complexity, it is a great addition to any board game collection for fans of strategic gameplay.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.