London (Second Edition)
- Designer Martin Wallace
- Publisher Osprey Games , Arclight Games , FoxGames , Game Harbor , Giant Roc
- Illustration Mike Atkinson , Natalia Borek , Przemysław Sobiecki
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In London, players rebuild the city after the great fire, managing building requirements, bank loans, and poverty. You play cards to develop the city and then execute all card actions simultaneously. You must repay your loans before the game ends while balancing poverty levels relative to other players. The game demands careful planning and resource management within a dynamic city-building simulation.
Who Is This Game For?
London is aimed at strategy enthusiasts and experienced gamers aged 14 and up, who enjoy economic challenges. With a playtime of about 90 minutes, it suits 2 to 4 players for an extended game session. Prior experience with resource management and hand management mechanics helps with learning the game.
How It Works
The game features Action Queue, Hand Management, and Contracts mechanics. Players plan the order of their card actions and then carry them out simultaneously, requiring tactical timing. Automatic resource growth and income provide steady development support. End Game Bonuses add extra scoring based on how well players manage loans and poverty.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Martin Wallace, London was nominated in 2017 for Board Game Quest Awards Best Card Game and Best Strategy/Euro Game, as well as Golden Geek Best Card Game. It belongs to the Cities series and uniquely blends tableau building with action queue mechanics, combining city-building and strategic hand management.
Awards
2017
- 2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Card Game — Nominated
- 2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
Pro
- Unique combination of Action Queue and Hand Management
- Deep strategic decisions in resource and debt management
- Multiple award nominations in 2017
- Atmospheric city-building in historical London
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Complexity requires time and prior experience
- 90-minute playtime may feel long for casual players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in post-Great Fire London of the 17th century, where players shape a historic metropolis facing economic and social challenges in England, United Kingdom.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand the link between card actions and resources, and plan your moves ahead.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, London is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 90 minutes, including setup.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with eurogames and mechanics like hand management and resource management is helpful.
How does this compare to similar games?
London combines tableau building with an action queue, allowing simultaneous execution of card actions, setting it apart from classic city-building games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and recommended age of 14+, it is better suited for experienced players rather than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The action queue combined with hand management and contracts provides a tactically demanding experience.
Fazit
London is recommended for players interested in strategic city development and economic challenges who appreciate longer play sessions. The game can be demanding for newcomers to complex eurogames.
