Alhambra

Maybe it was the group I played with, but I got bored. Folks silently took their turns, buying tiles...or not buying tiles. We added up points a few times. Really not much to do when it is not your turn. I was happy when it was over, but, I'd be willing to play it again, so maybe my opinion will change.

A middle-weight Euro I used to really enjoy...and probably still would if I ever got to play it.

An intellectual exercise. Not overly fun.

Edit: That review was from about five years ago. Played it again and found it much lighter and more enjoyable. Maybe it was the group I was playing with....

Played more times and the more I play the more I like it. However, played with six and it was awful. Half the game in more time. I'd never play it with six again and it makes me think five is questionable.

I liked this a lot when it was first released but after over 30 games it no longer has that 'fun' factor. There is a little too much luck involved, downtime can be a bit painful and the decision making space is a bit repetitive. Actually that’s a little unfair as some of these characteristics only apply at higher numbers. I have a bit of a mental block with games that claim to play with 2 to 6 players because I assume they must play well at higher numbers. But Games publishers lie. Alhambra is a much better game with 2 or 3 players when you don’t have to wait several minutes for your turn to come round only to find the building/card you really wanted was taken by someone else before you were even offered the chance to get it.

The first set of expansions are ok but didn't really dd anything to the game

As part of Big Box.

Played before I began tracking plays

Great at 2 or 3.

Accidentally played this the same day as Splendor. They are very similar games. Sit in silence doing math while you build your own engine, taking a peek every now and then to see what the opponents are doing.

Very dry and nonsociable; not what i want from boardgames.

First impression: Enjoyed our game. It has that light weight Euro issue where the bounces can go against you but the game is long enough to mitigate that aspect. It might actually last a little too long or at least for what is comfortable for the light weight nature. Regardless it is enjoyable for what it is. Another plus is the ease to get the base game to the table. Just as comparison Kingdom Builder is more fiddly, (but probably a better game). 1st rating, 7.

2nd impression: Second play was a family game and up'd the rating to 8. This is a very good family game. It went over well. Same kind of feeling as early plays of TTR honeymoon period. I also feel i'm ready to add some of the expansions that I have.

The Magical Buildings