Stats:
No. of players: 1 -7
Amount of time to play: 30-40 min
Age requirements: 10+
Set-up time: minimal

Between Two Cities is a competitive but collaborative tile-laying game. You build two cities, one with your neighbors, and the lowest valued city that scores the most points wins.

Between Two Cities Rules Description:

Between Two Cities takes place over three rounds. Each round you draw a certain number of tiles keep two, which are placed in your cities, and the pass the rest. This continues until the round ends. Then you score both or your cities and the player with the highest lower score wins.

You must create cities made up of a four by four grid of tiles. The tiles in your cities score you points based on set collection, placement, total number of one type or total number of different types.

Each turn you select two tiles are want to place then once all players are ready, reveal them. You choose which tile you place in each city but may discuss it with your neighbors. And you must place one tile on each of your cities.

Your remaining tiles are passed to the left or right depending on the round. Or they are discarded when you just have one left.

After three rounds the game ends and you score your different tiles. You determine your finish by your lower valued city. If this causes a tie the tied players compare the scores of their higher valued cities. And the winner is the player with the highest score.

A Quick Review of Between Two Cities:

Between Two Cities is a fun and unique tile-laying game with drafting. It is easy to teach and fun for gamers and non-gamers alike. It can accommodate a large number of players too.

The components for this game are very good. The tiles types are easy to identify and look nice. And the rules are easy to read and follow.

This game feels like cooperative 7 Wonders. It does not have the strategical depth of this classic but is still fun and engaging experience. Since the score of your lower valued city matters you cannot ignore one city. In fact this scoring forces you to concentrate on both of your cities.

This game has little downtime and plays quick. You will find your group playing a few games back-to-back.

I like that you can play this with three or seven players and the experience is pretty much the same. The game even includes cards for determining seating order. You just draw a card and then sit in the noted order.

Between Two Cities is great for groups with newer gamers and families. The scoring is easy to grasp so you can explain and play in minutes. And since the game time is fairly low you cn play a few games at a time.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 4 out of 6
Luck 4 out of 6
Player Interaction 3 out of 6
Replay Value 4 out of 6
Complexity 2 out of 6
Fun 4 out of 6
Overall 4 out of 6