Big City: 20th Anniversary Jumbo Edition!

Mercury Games · Board game · 2019
20.0 Ludopedia 7.3 BGG 2–4 · best 3 60 min Weight 2.5/5
Buy · from US$ 86.24
20.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy watching a city grow on the board and don't mind a bit of trading and planning, Big City is a great pick! The Jumbo version brings cool components and rules that make the game more dynamic.

Highlights
  • Large and imposing components
  • Agile redevelopment rules
  • Satisfying city building
  • Variety with modular board
Keep in mind
  • Game can end abruptly
  • Depends on card flow
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to get your hands dirty and build the metropolis of your dreams in Big City: 20th Anniversary Jumbo Edition! This souped-up version of the classic city-building game features 33% larger buildings that are a sight to behold on the table, along with revamped property trading rules. The idea is simple: you collect cards from eight different neighborhoods and use them to erect buildings that take up one, two, or even three spaces. Your score comes from the building's base value, boosted by bonuses from neighboring structures. But beware: no one can build anything beyond basic residences and businesses until someone plays the City Hall card – which doesn't score points itself but unlocks the game! A cool new feature in this edition is the Redevelopment Phase, which occurs at the end of each round. Here, you return one card (or two!) and get others back, encouraging the use of properties and preventing the game from getting stuck. City Hall also gains value each round, making the competition fiercer. Be sharp, as the game can end at any moment if everyone passes or uses the exchange action. And for those who played the old version, the good news is that the game is now for 2 to 4 players, avoiding that sluggishness with too many people at the table. Oh, and there's a new Waterfront tile that acts as a barrier and a bonus for nearby residences. It's a game that requires planning and a bit of luck with the cards, but the satisfaction of seeing your city grow is immense!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: 3-Dimensional (3D) Theme: City
Publisher Mercury Games
Designer Franz-Benno Delonge
Artist Andrew White, Michael Christopher, Paola Tuazon

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

932owners
238wishlist
58want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the complexity of Big City: 20th Anniversary Jumbo Edition?
It's considered a medium-complexity game, with a weight of 2.5/5 on BGG. It's not super complex, but it requires attention to the rules and good strategic planning.
How long does a game take?
It's estimated to take 60 minutes, for both 2 and 4 players. It's a game that flows well and doesn't usually drag on.
Who is this game best suited for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy city-building games with tile-placement mechanics and a touch of trading. Good for players who like games that look impressive on the table.
Are the building pieces really large?
Yes! In this Jumbo edition, the buildings are 33% larger than in the original version, giving the game a much more impactful visual.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Interaction mainly occurs through competition for board spaces and trading rules. The redevelopment phase also forces indirect interaction.
Can I play with 5 people like in the original version?
No, this Anniversary Jumbo edition has been adjusted for 2 to 4 players, which many consider ideal for the game's flow.

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