Between Two Cities
- Designer Matthew O'Malley , Ben Rosset
- Publisher Stonemaier Games , 64 Ounce Games , Arclight Games , Broadway Toys LTD , Ghenos Games
- Illustration Beth Sobel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set in the early 1800s, players act as city planners designing two cities simultaneously with their neighbors. Each turn involves selecting and placing tiles representing buildings, parks, and landmarks. The game blends tile drafting and collaboration, with the final score based on the lower livability score of the two cities you helped build. Fast-paced and social, it suits groups and solo players alike.
Who Is This Game For?
Between Two Cities is aimed at casual gamers and families aged 14 and up who enjoy light strategy and cooperative competition. With a short playtime around 25 minutes, it fits well in quick game sessions. The rules are accessible, and a solo mode is included for single players.
How It Works
The game uses Closed Drafting and Simultaneous Action Selection: each player chooses two tiles from their hand, reveals them, then places one tile in each of two cities they build with their left and right neighbors. Scoring uses Highest-Lowest Scoring, where your final score is the lower livability rating of the two cities. Set Collection and Neighbor Scope mechanics require strategic tile placement.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Matthew O'Malley and Ben Rosset, Between Two Cities was nominated for Golden Geek Best Family Board Game and Most Innovative Board Game in 2015. It stands out by mixing cooperative city-building with competitive scoring and features a versatile solo mode. Its quick rounds and social gameplay are notable.
Awards
2015
- 2018 Hungarian Board Game Award — Nominated
- 2018 MinD-Spielepreis Short Game — Nominated
- 2017 Juego del Año — Recommended
- 2015 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Short playtime around 25 minutes
- Includes solo mode
- Combines city-building with tile drafting
- Nominated for multiple Golden Geek Awards in 2015
Contra
- Short duration might feel brief for experienced players
- Complexity suited more for casual to mid-weight gamers
- Age recommendation of 14+ limits younger family members
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the early 19th century during rapid urban development. Players take on the role of master city planners designing two cities simultaneously.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on communicating with your neighbors and adapt your tile placements to balance both cities effectively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Between Two Cities includes a solo mode supported by the Automa Factory system.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, making it suitable for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is a light to medium-weight strategy title requiring familiarity with drafting and city-building mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Between Two Cities uniquely combines partner-based drafting with the highest-lowest scoring method for two cities.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it's designed for players aged 14 and up and works well for families who enjoy cooperative and competitive play.
What mechanic makes it special?
Closed Drafting combined with Highest-Lowest Scoring and Neighbor Scope define the gameplay.
Fazit
Between Two Cities is recommended for players seeking a quick, tactical city-building game with cooperative elements. It may be less appealing for those preferring longer solo experiences or deep strategic games.
