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 depicting the city of Xi’an

Player boards

Influence tokens

Family tokens

Building tiles

Action cards

Resource tokens

How To Setup Xi’an

Set up the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player board, tokens, and cards.

Shuffle the building tiles and place them face down near the board.

Place the resource tokens and influence tokens within reach of all players.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Xi’an utilizes area majority/influence, hand management, set collection, simultaneous action selection, and worker placement mechanics. Players must strategically place their workers, collect resources, and build buildings to gain influence and control over different areas of the city. The objective is to have the most influence by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging and strategic gameplay

Beautiful artwork and components

Balanced mix of mechanics

Replayability due to variable setup

Offers opportunities for player interaction

Cons

Can be overwhelming for new players

Some may find the game length to be too long

Luck can play a role in certain aspects of the game

Personal Thoughts on Xi’an

Xi’an is a visually stunning and engaging board game that offers a deep and strategic experience. The mix of mechanics keeps gameplay interesting, and the theme is well integrated into the gameplay. While it may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a great choice for players looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

In terms of pricing and availability, Xi’an is reasonably priced for the quality of components and gameplay it offers. It can be found both new and used, making it accessible to a wide range of players. For those interested in similar games, Xi’an is worth the investment for fans of worker placement and area control games. Players who enjoy games with a historical theme and deep strategic gameplay will find Xi’an to be a worthwhile addition to their collection.

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