Lost Cities first came out in 1999, over 20 years later and it is still as popular as ever. This simple yet very entertaining two player card game consists of exploring different terrains and racking up points in the process.
Stay tuned as we unmask this popular board game, revealing why it has become a favourite among enthusiasts and how it could potentially win over your gaming heart too.
Overview of Lost Cities
Lost Cities transports you on an expedition to unearth ancient civilisations. The objective is simple yet riveting: embark on expeditions to five different lost cities - mythical regions symbolised by different colours. Each turn gives players a choice; they can either enhance their current expedition with higher cards or start new ones. But, starting an expedition comes at a cost, so strategy is key here.
The true beauty of this game lies in its ability to create tension between players through every card played or discarded. As the deck runs low, each decision could be pivotal in determining who emerges victorious from these historical explorations.
A crucial aspect that contributes significantly to your gaming experience is undoubtedly the quality of the components involved. In this case, Lost Cities doesn't disappoint.
The game consists primarily of beautifully designed cards depicting various numerical values and colour-coded expeditions. The vibrancy and clarity of these cards enhance visual engagement while ensuring easy recognition during gameplay.
Plus to these captivating cards, there's also a compact board for keeping score. While it's not extravagant by any means, it serves its purpose efficiently without overshadowing the importance of strategic card play within the game.
Durability hasn't been overlooked either – both cards and board are made from sturdy material intended to endure countless gaming sessions. So whether you're treading lightly around Himalayan peaks or diving deep into oceanic ruins, rest assured that your tools for adventure are built to last.
How to Play Lost Cities
Setting up Lost Cities for play is straightforward and quick. The game includes a deck of cards with five suits corresponding to five different exploration routes. Each player gets eight cards dealt from this deck as their starting hand. The compact scoring board, also known as the 'game board', sits between players displaying these five coloured routes.
Each route corresponds to a 'Lost City' – white, yellow, blue, green and red. Placed next to each route are twelve numbered cards (2-10) along with three investment cards exactly to that colour. The clever design ensures easy identification without hindering the playfulness factor.
The gameplay mechanics of Lost Cities revolve around strategic decision-making with every turn determining your fate in these arduous expeditions. A player’s turn consists primarily of two actions: playing a card onto an expedition or discarding one and drawing another card from either the draw pile or discard pile.
Starting an expedition requires laying down numbered cards sequentially in ascending order under each colour route on your side of the game board while trying to accumulate maximum points before your opponent does!
The twist comes with investment cards - they multiply your scores but increase risks! If you place them on an expedition before any other card, they double, triple or quadruple your points depending upon how many you use but remember - if you don't reach at least 20 points in an expedition after investing - it subtracts rather than adds those points!
With each round lasting about 15 minutes only (based on how quickly decisions are made), Lost Cities offers a fast paced yet engaging gaming experience suitable for all age groups.
Features of Lost Cities
The Lost Cities board game brings a unique blend of strategy and excitement to your gaming table. In this section, we investigate into the key features that make up this captivating game, from its captivating visuals and design to its high replayability.
Lost Cities is as much a feast for the eyes as it is an intellectual challenge. The game comes with beautifully designed cards, each representing different exploration routes to lost cities. The illustrations on these cards are vibrant and detailed, instantly transporting players into the industry of daring expeditions and uncharted territories.
Each card deck has a distinct colour scheme, corresponding to five different expeditions or 'routes'. This not only adds aesthetic appeal but also aids in gameplay by making it easier for players to distinguish between the routes. The game's board serves as a neat score tracker decorated with thematic imagery that enhances the overall visual experience.
Further improving its design are the investment cards - they bear exact symbols which are easy to understand yet deepen the strategic element of Lost Cities. All these components come together in harmony, creating an atmosphere that complements the adventurous theme of Lost Cities perfectly.
Replayability is a crucial aspect when assessing any board game, and Lost Cities scores highly in this regard. Even though it's a relatively simple ruleset, every round of play can unfold differently based on player decisions about route selection and investment card usage.
This variability stems from how one handles their hand of cards – do you hold onto certain cards hoping for better opportunities later? Or do you take risks early on for potential big returns? These dilemmas keep each round fresh and captivating even after multiple plays.
Also, while individual rounds are fast-paced – lasting roughly 15 minutes – there’s plenty more depth in playing multiple rounds where cumulative scoring provides another layer of strategy. Players may adjust their tactics based on past rounds' outcomes or try new strategies entirely; so ensuring that no two games of Lost Cities are exactly alike.
Pros and Disadvantages of Lost Cities
Pros
Lost Cities is admired for its simplicity and ease of play. The rules are straightforward, making it an accessible choice not only for seasoned players but also for those new to the industry of board games. Its quick gameplay, typically around 10 minutes per round, allows multiple rounds to be enjoyed in one sitting.
The game's portability is another beneficial aspect - comprising just cards and coins, it's easy to transport or take on travels. Minimal set-up time means that play can begin almost immediately after opening the box.
Even with its simplicity, Lost Cities doesn't compromise on engagement or excitement during playtime. The balance between risk and reward adds a sense of tension to each round which keeps players hooked till the end.
It offers ample room for strategising; while there's enough information available to make informed decisions, an element of uncertainty remains intact maintaining an edge throughout gameplay.
The aesthetics have been given careful consideration too; beautiful artwork gracing the cards and explorer-themed discard board enhance visual appeal alongside supporting thematic coherence.
Designed specifically as a two-player game, it serves as an excellent option for couples or friends looking to engage in some friendly competition.
Cons
But, every coin has two sides, and so does Lost Cities. An important factor here is luck - particularly when drawing cards which may dampen a strategic approach at times.
Some players find the scoring system complicated and tricky to remember initially. This can prove particularly challenging for newcomers who might need additional aid until they become familiar with how scoring works.
Another drawback may be perceived in theme integration where even though attractive artwork aligns with its theme; gameplay could work equally well even with plain numbers or alternative themes illustrating a lack of deep integration.
For seasoned players especially, after multiple rounds, there's a potential of the game feeling repetitive with clearly optimal moves becoming apparent over time.
The game can end abruptly if players aren't careful about keeping an eye on the draw pile which can potentially result in high-scoring cards remaining unplayed.
Finally, lost cities can witness important point swings especially if planning isn't prioritised. This might cause some frustration among players who prefer more predictable and steady scoring games.
Final Thoughts
Lost Cities board game holds its own in the area of strategic play. It's a visually striking game that offers both engagement and quick gameplay, appealing to a wide range of players. Its strengths lie in its simple yet strategic nature, portability, and aesthetic appeal. But, it's not without its faults; there is an element of luck involved and the scoring system might seem complex to some. Also, seasoned players might find potential repetitiveness while others may be put off by the sudden endings and point swings. Yet even despite these shortcomings, Lost Cities has high replayability value due to player decision variability and multiple round cumulative scoring. So if you're up for a game that's light on predictability but big on strategy - Lost Cities could just be your next favourite tabletop adventure!
