Venice Connection (1988) Board Game

Venice Connection is a classic board game released in 1988, designed by the renowned game designer Alex Randolph. The game features a unique combination of pattern building and tile placement mechanics, set in the beautiful city of Venice. With stunning artwork by Wanjin Gill, Kathi Kappler, Johann Rüttinger, and Rolf Vogt, Venice Connection offers players a visually appealing and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Venice Connection

Game board depicting the canals of Venice

22 tiles with various patterns

2 player markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Venice Connection

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the tiles and place them face down.

Each player chooses a marker color and places it on the board.

Players take turns drawing tiles and placing them on the board, attempting to create patterns and connect their markers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Venice Connection, players take turns placing tiles on the board, trying to connect their markers by creating patterns. The objective is to strategically place tiles to block your opponent’s connections while building your own. The game is quick-paced, with a runtime of around 10 minutes, making it perfect for a short and exciting gaming session.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick and easy to learn, suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Beautiful artwork and thematic setting in Venice.

Strategic gameplay that keeps players engaged.

Cons:

Limited replayability due to the fixed game board and tile set.

Best played with 2 players, so not suitable for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Venice Connection

Venice Connection is a charming and visually appealing board game that offers a unique gameplay experience. While it may lack the depth and complexity of other games in the genre, its simplicity and quick gameplay make it a great choice for casual gaming sessions. The build quality of the game components is solid, and the pricing for both new and used copies is reasonable.

For players who enjoy puzzle games and strategic tile placement mechanics, Venice Connection is definitely worth your time. However, if you’re looking for a more complex and replayable game, you may want to explore other options. Overall, Venice Connection is a delightful game that captures the essence of Venice and provides an enjoyable gaming experience for those who appreciate pattern building and tile placement games.

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