8.3
rating
Ludopedia
7.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you enjoy games with long-term planning and a touch of controlled luck, Amsterdam might become your new favorite. It's a game that rewards patience and strategy!
Highlights
- Long-term planning
- Creative resource management
- High replayability
- Well-integrated theme
Keep in mind
- Dice dependency
- Initial learning curve
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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Come on over and check out Amsterdam, a reimagining of Macao that throws you into the heart of the Dutch capital at the turn of the 20th century. Here, you'll step into the shoes of a shrewd merchant, one who knows that sometimes, waiting is worth gold. The board is a map of the city, dotted with districts and building sites. Each round kicks off with a card auction – districts, buildings, professions – which grant you new abilities, actions, or ways to score points. The twist is that these cards cost colored action cubes, and you need to plan carefully when you want to use them.
And speaking of planning, the dice mechanic is the heart of Amsterdam. After choosing your card, colored dice are rolled. You pick a die and gain cubes of that color, but here's the catch: the number of cubes you get depends on the number rolled. Then comes the clever part: you don't use these cubes immediately! You place them on your personal 'windrose,' indicating how many future turns you want them to become available. It's that 'delayed gratification' thing, you know? Waiting a bit can yield much more. These cubes are the currency to buy the cards you've taken, to grab goods scattered around the city, or to transport everything through the canals to warehouses. Delivering these goods earns points, as do the bonuses on the cards. The game lasts 12 rounds, and whoever has the most points at the end claims the fame and glory (and the win!). It's a game that demands strategic vision and good resource management, with a touch of luck from the dice to keep things exciting.
And speaking of planning, the dice mechanic is the heart of Amsterdam. After choosing your card, colored dice are rolled. You pick a die and gain cubes of that color, but here's the catch: the number of cubes you get depends on the number rolled. Then comes the clever part: you don't use these cubes immediately! You place them on your personal 'windrose,' indicating how many future turns you want them to become available. It's that 'delayed gratification' thing, you know? Waiting a bit can yield much more. These cubes are the currency to buy the cards you've taken, to grab goods scattered around the city, or to transport everything through the canals to warehouses. Delivering these goods earns points, as do the bonuses on the cards. The game lasts 12 rounds, and whoever has the most points at the end claims the fame and glory (and the win!). It's a game that demands strategic vision and good resource management, with a touch of luck from the dice to keep things exciting.
GALLERY
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In English
1
OK
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Queen Games, Evrikus, White Goblin Games
Designer
Stefan Feld
Artist
Andreas Resch, Christian Fiore, Fiore GmbH, Klemens Franz, Patricia Limberger
How many people can play Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is very flexible, playable by 1 to 4 people. It has a solo mode and also works great with a group.
How long does a game take?
Be prepared for a good 1 to 2 hours of gameplay. The time can vary depending on the group's experience and the number of players.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
It has medium complexity (BGG weight 3.36/5). The basic rules are straightforward, but mastering the strategies and action timing takes a few plays.
Who would you recommend Amsterdam to?
It's ideal for those who enjoy strategy games with resource management, forward planning, and a touch of dice luck. Stefan Feld fans will feel right at home!
Is there a lot of player interaction?
The interaction is more indirect, focusing on competing for cards and optimizing your own actions. It's not a direct conflict game, but the competition for the best plays is clear.
Is it worth playing solo?
Absolutely! Amsterdam has a robust solo mode that offers a good challenge for those who want to play without company.