London (Second Edition)
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.7 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
London (Second Edition) casts players as civic leaders rebuilding the city in the wake of the Great Fire, balancing ambitious building projects against bank loans and the poverty they generate. Cards are played to develop London's skyline, then all their ongoing effects are triggered simultaneously in a distinctive 'run the city' phase. Players juggle income, debt repayment, and city planning as they race to leave the strongest legacy. It's a lean, card-driven economic game from veteran designer Martin Wallace with real tension between growth and financial responsibility. A modern reworking of a beloved classic makes it more approachable without losing its strategic bite.
Hobbli's Notes
London rewards players who can read the long game: over-borrowing feels great in the moment but comes back to bite you by the final scoring. The simultaneous 'run the city' mechanism is elegant and keeps downtime low for a card-driven economic game. It's a quieter, more cerebral experience than flashier city-builders, appealing most to players who enjoy Wallace's classic economic-engine style.
What we like
- Elegant simultaneous 'run the city' mechanism keeps downtime low.
- Rewards careful long-term planning around loans and poverty.
- Solid card-driven economic depth from a proven designer.
- Plays well across its full 2-4 player range.
Keep in mind
- Debt and poverty tracking can feel fiddly for newer players.
- Theme is fairly abstract despite the London setting.
- Limited direct player interaction may disappoint those wanting confrontation.
Who it's for
Best suited to ages 14 and up who enjoy card-driven economic strategy; ideal for 2-4 experienced gamers looking for a mid-weight session.
