Thames & Kosmos - "My City"
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Thames & Kosmos - "My City"

Updated: 3d


Photo above is property of Thames & Kosmos

Company: Thames & Kosmos

Game: My City

Country: USA 🇺🇸

Language: English

Type of Game: Tabletop Games 📬

Genre: Historical Fiction

Date Played: December 10, 2023

Difficulty (based on 3 players): 3/10

Size of Team: 2-4 Players

Time: Unlimited (Suggested 45 Mins)

Price: $34.95


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In "My City," you and your companions find yourselves bestowed with a plot of land adorned with 24 identical buildings. Your task is to shape this land according to your vision, orchestrating a symphony of change and evolution. Every aspect of the city is within your hands, and as you progress through the years, building by building, the narrative takes unexpected turns. More structures emerge, and the city unfolds with twists and turns, revealing new developments and challenges.


The essence of "My City" lies in its legacy approach, emphasizing gameplay dynamics over an overarching storyline. Over the course of 24 episodes, each a chapter in the evolving saga, the game introduces novel concepts. As custodians of this urban canvas, you decide how to incorporate these buildings into the ever-changing tapestry of your city.


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The design of the game contributes slightly to the overall aesthetic. While it effectively serves the purpose of the game, it falls short of fully immersing players into the world it portrays. However, practicality is not compromised—the cards, buildings, and pieces are easily legible, ensuring a convenient gaming experience.


Regrettably, the artwork on the box sets a different expectation than what is delivered in the game. The consistency and awe-inspiring quality one might anticipate for a city-building experience are not fully realized. Nevertheless, the design remains suitable, not detracting significantly from the overall gaming experience.


Photos above are property of ESCAPTHEROOMers


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Playing "My City" is a straightforward process. Each player receives a game board featuring 24 identical buildings, ensuring uniformity among participants. In the center lies a deck of cards, and turn by turn, players reveal and must place the indicated building onto their individual city board wherever they deem fit. A couple of rules govern this process. Initially, when establishing the town, buildings must be located next to a river. Subsequent placements can either connect directly adjacent to another building or hug the riverbanks.


The game progresses as cards are continuously unveiled. Players decide when to cease placing buildings, either by choosing not to play, an inability to play more buildings, or exhaustion of the deck. Once any of these conditions are met, points are tallied according to each episode's rule, and rewards are distributed based on the episode's reward descriptions.


As previously mentioned, "My City" is a legacy game, implying that it evolves and changes as you advance through its 24 episodes. This transformative journey involves marking up boards for gameplay, essentially turning them into unique individual city locations. While it's recommended for players to remain consistent throughout the entire saga for a cohesive experience, there's a mode available for those who prefer playing without incorporating the legacy elements, allowing for a more standalone city-building experience.


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"My City" diverges from conventional puzzles; instead, it introduces what can be likened to a Tetris puzzle room. The pieces vary in size, ranging from two to five squares. The challenge lies in strategically placing each square to optimize points, all while navigating the uncertainty of not knowing the next piece.


In theory, mastering this task seems simple, but in practice, the game introduces twists with each new building revealed, potentially throwing off your carefully laid plans. It's a delicate balance of adapting to unforeseen challenges. Fortunately, a safety net exists—you can opt not to place a drawn building, incurring a one-point penalty but allowing you to draw again.


This introduces an intriguing dichotomy between pushing your luck and strategic planning. Will that one-point penalty hinder your victory, or is it a worthwhile sacrifice to maintain control in this ever-evolving city-building puzzle?


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"My City" stands as a paragon of simplicity, inviting players of all ages into its delightful embrace. Its brilliance lies in the elegant rule sets that elevate it beyond a mere game—it transforms into a riveting legacy adventure. Unfolding over 24 episodes, the journey is a cascade of surprises, twists, and turns, narrating a captivating story of city-building from humble beginnings to the unfolding mysteries within sealed envelopes. In a single afternoon-evening session, our group immersed ourselves in 10 episodes, a testament to its engrossing nature.


Advertised with a 45-minute playtime, "My City" perfectly aligns with expectations. Mastering the mechanics makes completing the game a seamless and satisfying experience. The game system's adaptability is a breath of fresh air; player count is a non-issue, accommodating 2 to 4 players and even offering a solo mode that thrives in its own right.


With minimal grievances, "My City" emerges as a robust recommendation. Its accessibility, coupled with nuanced rule variations, beckons players back for more, creating an irresistible allure. For those enticed by the allure of city-building adventures, this game is not just a recommendation; it's a compelling journey waiting to unfold."

 

Check out our interview with the creators to understand more on the development side of the game:


Video above is property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

 

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)


Disclosure: We thank Thames & Kosmos for providing us with samples of the game. Although a complimentary experience was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.


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