Tile placement games hold a special place in my heart. There’s something immensely satisfying about piecing together tiles into a cohesive and beautiful tableau, where every choice contributes to an evolving story. My journey into tile placement games began with Castles of Burgundy, a masterpiece—but definitely not a quick game. Enter Cities, which blends city-building with tile placement in a refreshingly fast-paced experience that consistently wraps up in under 30 minutes.
Game Overview
- Publisher: Devir
- Designers: Steve Finn and Phil Walker-Harding
- Player Count: 2-4
- Playtime: 30-40 minutes
- Genre/Category: Tile Placement, City Building, Worker Placement
- BGG Rating: 7.5
- My Rating: 8.5
First Impressions
When Cities landed on my doorstep, it instantly gained a high spot on my “must play” list. After a quick setup, I dove into my first game and was hooked. It was so engaging that I immediately played two more rounds back-to-back. Now, it’s become one of my most played games, according to Board Game Geek. The variety of city boards adds to its charm, making each session feel fresh.
Components and Art
The visual appeal of Cities is a standout feature. The city achievement tiles are beautifully illustrated, and the artwork strikes a balance between charming and functional. The building pieces feel premium without being overly detailed, ensuring a tactile experience that complements the fast gameplay.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In Cities, you have eight rounds to construct the most impressive city possible. Each round, you’ll acquire city tiles to expand your layout, adding key components like buildings, monuments, and bonus tiles to gain the most VP. The mechanics are simple and accessible, but there’s enough depth to keep each decision meaningful.
Strategy and Replayability
One of my go-to strategies is focusing on the unique city bonuses displayed at the top of each board. These bonuses not only provide valuable points but also let me block opponents from climbing the score track.
With multiple unique city boards included, each game feels fresh, offering new challenges and layouts to explore. While the overarching strategy remains consistent, the end result—a city you’ve carefully crafted—always feels distinct.
Player Interaction
Cities leans towards a less competitive experience, with player interaction limited to selecting items from a shared market. While this reduces the opportunity for direct competition, it also makes the game feel less cutthroat—perfect for casual and family-friendly gaming.
Complexity
This game is not overwhelming like so many others, making it an excellent choice for family game nights or introducing newcomers to the game. Its simplicity is a strength, offering depth without overwhelming complexity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Adorable, functional artwork
- Quick, engaging gameplay
- Easy to learn and teach
Cons:
- Can feel slightly repetitive over multiple plays
Who Would Enjoy This Game?
If you love tile-laying or city-building games, Cities deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s one of the fastest and least daunting games in the genre, making it a perfect pick for players of all skill levels.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Cities has become a favorite in my collection for good reason. It’s fast, fun, and endlessly replayable. While there’s room for improvement—an official solo mode would be fantastic—it still earns a solid 8.5/10. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or just starting out, Cities is well worth exploring.