Barcelona

Board&Dice, Albi, Arclight Games · Board game · 2023
1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–90 min Weight 3.4/5
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love dense Eurogames and the satisfaction of planning a city from scratch.

Highlights
  • Very satisfying urban planning
  • Elegant visual components
  • Tight and deep mechanics
  • Excellent solo mode available
Keep in mind
  • Slightly steep learning curve
  • Playtime can stretch out
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Imagine yourself as one of the architects tasked with transforming the face of Barcelona in the 19th century. The city was suffocating within its ancient walls and desperately needed room to grow. This is where the vision of Ildefons Cerdà comes in, creating the famous 'Eixample' — the urban expansion that defines the city to this day. In Barcelona, you step into the role of a builder, attempting to accommodate the population fleeing the overcrowded center for the new districts.

But it's not just about raising walls! To win, you'll need rigorous strategic planning. You will layout streets, implement tram lines to facilitate transport, and organize essential public services. For those looking to add a touch of sophistication, you can invest in 'Modernisme', the artistic and architectural style that was a sensation among the elite of the era and adds a unique charm to your board.

The game flows through variable rounds, with each player taking turns consisting of strategic actions, followed by a building phase and preparation for the next move. To keep the tension high, the match is scored in three intermediate phases before the final tally. The player who best balances urban expansion with service efficiency and modernist aesthetics will end up with the highest score and the glory of having shaped the Catalan capital. If you enjoy eurogames focused on optimization and city building, this title is a treat, blending worker placement with the visual satisfaction of seeing the city grow under your command.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 OK
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Game details

Categories

Families

Cities: Barcelona (Spain) Components: Map (City Scale) Country: Spain Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Board&Dice, Albi, Arclight Games, BO3 Studio, CMON Global Limited, Delta Vision Publishing, Giant Roc, HIT Games, Maldito Games, Mosaico Jogos, Pixie Games, TOP NOTCH, White Goblin Games
Designer Dani Garcia
Artist Aleksander Zawada, Zuzanna Kołakowska
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex?
It's considered an 'expert' game. It has several layers of rules, so it's not a party game, but Eurogame veterans will adapt quickly.
How long does a game last?
Expect to spend between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the group's experience and the number of players.
Can I play it alone?
Yes! The game includes solo rules, making it a great option for those who enjoy single-player challenges.
What is the ideal number of players?
The game supports 1 to 4 people, but it shines particularly well with 2 or 3 players due to the space competition dynamics.
Does the theme influence the gameplay?
Yes, the feeling of actually expanding the city of Barcelona through the Eixample is very present in the tile placement mechanics.