At the Gates of Loyang
- Designer Uwe Rosenberg
- Publisher Hall Games , Tasty Minstrel Games , 999 Games , Fullcap Games , Hobby Japan
- Illustration Klemens Franz , Scott Hartman
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players cultivate various crops like wheat and pumpkins and sell them to customers in the village. Helpers with special abilities assist in boosting production and income. Each round, players draft cards representing fields, customers, or helpers, and perform as many actions as allowed by their cards and goods. Investments on a prosperity track determine the winner. The game combines card management with market and contract mechanics requiring strategic planning.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced gamers who enjoy complex economic and card-driven games. With a playtime of about 120 minutes, it requires patience and focus. The included solo mode makes it suitable for solo players as well. Families with younger children might find it too complex.
How It Works
Players use open drafting to acquire cards for fields, customers, and helpers. They plant and harvest goods to fulfill contracts with customers. Income and loans are managed strategically to invest on the prosperity track. Actions are limited by cards and goods but allow flexible play. The market mechanic creates dynamic conditions influencing player decisions.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Uwe Rosenberg, the game won the 2010 Essener Feder Award for best rules and was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2009. It is part of the Country: China family and stands out by combining contracts, income, and market mechanics with a farming theme.
Awards
- 2019 Juego del Año — Recommended
- 2010 Essener Feder Best Written Rules — Winner
- 2010 JoTa Best Card Game — Nominated
- 2009 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Deep economic simulation with trade and farming
- Flexible action system using open drafting and card management
- Includes solo mode for single players
- Award-winning clear rules (Essener Feder 2010)
Contra
- Relatively long playtime around 120 minutes
- Higher complexity not suited for casual players
- Recommended age 10+, not for very young children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in northern China about 2000 years ago, players act as farmers growing crops like wheat, pumpkins, and beans to trade in the village market.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding card functions and experiment with different actions to grasp the market and contract system.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, At the Gates of Loyang includes a solo mode for 1 to 4 players.
How long does a game really take?
The average playtime is about 120 minutes, with setup and explanation adding some extra time.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced players familiar with economic and card mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines contracts, income, and market mechanics in a farming economic game.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of open drafting, contracts, and market mechanics defines the gameplay.
Fazit
At the Gates of Loyang is recommended for experienced players interested in complex economic strategy and card management. The longer playtime and depth require patience and prior gaming experience.
