Barcelona

Rating based on one 3 hour play with 4 players which explained to me why it isn't recommended with 4 players. Too much downtime and inability to plan much until your go. But a nice design if there's a bit too much going on. I don't think I'd like it much even with 3 though.

Own the [boardgame=415314]Passeig de Gracia[/boardgame] expansion and the [boardgame=396747]New Corner Buildings[/boardgame], [boardgame=396748]New Building Bonus Tiles[/boardgame], and [boardgame=400675]New Scoring Tiles[/boardgame] promos.

The main mechanic is combos.

First play impression - very much enjoyed. Reminded me a bit of Lisboa with the construction grid and bonuses for rows/columns and placement, but obviously this is a much lighter game. Has a relaxing, point-salad vibe but also a real 'can't accomplish everything' tension. I don't know whether everything is balanced perfectly or not - certainly some things felt stronger/weaker, but nothing seemed egregious - so should be fine as long as I don't play it with people who like breaking games.

Box 13

Pretty good city building, point salad.

Very crunchy and prone to AP, this is a point-generous Euro with tight mechanics that are blended into the theme well. It's a tough one with 4 players as turns are complex and the decision space is perhaps too broad - each pair (or triple) offering many interlocking and impactful results. There might be a seating order problem as well - setting up players with placement for high scoring situations with buildings or depleting/blocking options with a feeling of despair between each ("Thanks for that placement - I'm now scoring 30 points" vs "You took what I was going to do - now I have NO idea what to do!") or intentionally/inadvertently ending the round leaving you wanting for a Cerda increase or general scoring positions. However, it's good and lovely with clear iconography - it just might be too much for me. I'd like to play it again certainly to find out!

Decent game, very point salady with some interesting mechanics. Solid enough that I’ll definitely keep it, because this really sings at 4 players as long as no one suffers from AP.

This is a very tactical game given how the board state changes. If you aren’t ok deciding what you are going to do until your turn starts you won’t love this game.

I just logged in to give this game an extra .5, and I'm wondering if it deserves to go to 9. If you are even slightly experienced randomize the action tiles, play with 4 players and this game is AMAZING.

New Corner Buildings (2023) New Building Bonus Tiles (2023) New Scoring Tiles (2023)