Xi’an (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Xi’an is a board game that takes place in the ancient Chinese city of the same name. Players take on the roles of leaders of influential families in Xi’an during the Tang Dynasty, competing for power and influence.

Game Components of Xi’an

Game board

Player boards

Terracotta army figures

Resource tokens

Action cards

Workers

Building tiles

Scorepad

How To Setup Xi’an

Setting up Xi’an involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, each player choosing a player board, and distributing the starting resources and workers. The terracotta army figures, building tiles, and action cards are also prepared according to the rulebook. For a detailed setup, refer to the [rulebook].

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their workers to manage resources and construct the terracotta army.

Resource Management: Players must manage resources efficiently to build and deploy the army.

Tile Placement: Building tiles are used to construct the army and the city.

Card Play: Action cards can be used to influence gameplay and gain advantages.

Objective: The goal is to build and deploy the most valuable terracotta army while also contributing to the development of the city.

Player Experience

Playing Xi’an immerses players in a strategic and historical context, requiring careful planning and resource management. The game is engaging, with a mix of short-term and long-term goals, making it appealing to fans of strategy and management games.

Pros

Historical Theme: The game offers a unique historical setting, making it educational and interesting.

Deep Strategy: Xi’an requires strategic planning and resource management, appealing to fans of complex games.

Replay Value: The game includes various paths to victory, ensuring high replayability.

Components: The game components, including the terracotta army figures, are of high quality.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a steep learning curve due to its complex rules and mechanics.

Length: Games can be quite long, which may deter players looking for quicker experiences.

Player Interaction: Limited direct player interaction, which might not appeal to fans of highly competitive games.

Personal Thoughts on Xi’an

Xi’an is ideal for players who enjoy strategy, management, and historical themes. It is suited for experienced gamers who are willing to invest time in learning the rules and mechanics. The game’s complexity and depth make it less suitable for casual or new gamers, but it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who appreciate strategic gameplay.

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